Traditional Forms of Psychotherapy of the Fer People of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper discusses the traditional forms of psychotherapy of the Fer people of plateau state, Nigeria. The paper also discusses the therapeutic and psychological significance of the methods. The four systems that are discussed have therapeutic significance such as relieving disturbed people of grief, anger, emotional conflict, psychological pain, distress, despair and restoring peace, harmony, comfort and relaxation in the persons disturbed. The aim of the paper is to bring to light some useful and effective traditional methods of psychotherapy. The paper thus recognizes the fact that with the present high level of poverty, economic hardship, embracing and encouraging the use of the effective traditional methods of treatment and healing for the advantage of the teeming rural populace who may not have access to specialist hospitals and professionals is worth while. IFE PsychologIA Vol 9, No1 2001, pp. 123-127