Indigenous and Cultural Psychology: Where does Faith Come in?

Abstract

This essay will explore “knowledge that is native” and from the actors point of view. A clinical setting is the particular sociocultural context that affects, shapes, guides and is guided by psychological and social description. It is a context of face-to-face encounter where participants mutually influence one another and a novel indigenous psychology arises. So, where does faith come in? Explored are the consequences for an indigenous and cultural psychology in clinical practice when religious tradition and faith, scripture, or a sacred text are introduced. An emic or indigenous psychology is expanded. Pastoral counseling is enhanced and novel experiences can emerge when faith in a cross-cultural setting is taken into account. In so doing, a western understanding of psychology is also expanded.