Integrating Traditional Healing Practices with Cognitive Therapy: Attitude, Preparedness and Perceived Effectiveness among Clients and Therapists

Integrating Traditional Healing Practices with Cognitive Therapy: Attitude, Preparedness and Perceived Effectiveness among Clients and Therapists

Mental health and well- being has become a serious concern in the Indian health setting. The mental health care has been rapidly increasing. The various approaches involved in mental health has been explored widely in the Indian mental health setting. This research study aims to explore the integrated approach which involves traditional healing practices and cognitive therapy. The aim of this research study is to understand the three main variables attitude, preparedness and perceived effectiveness in clients and therapists while integrating traditional healing practices with cognitive therapy. The traditional healing practices explored in this study are yoga, meditation and mindfulness. The attitude of the clients and therapists towards the integrated approach has been studied. The preparedness of the clients as well as the preparedness of the therapists toward the integrated approach is also the next set of objectives in the research study. The next two objectives have been to study the perceived effectiveness of this approach in clients and therapists. The research study is a qualitative study. The data for the research study has been collected using semi- structured interviews. The data has been analyzed using thematic content analysis. The sample for the study includes 5 therapists and 10 clients who have been involved in this therapeutic approach. The results of the study show that there are two types of attitude clients who have interviewed hold towards the integrated approach. The two types of attitude include positive attitude and apprehensive attitude. The attitude of the therapists towards the approach has been positive and the factors which have led to the positive attitude has been cultural factors, familial background and previous exposure. The apprehensive attitude in clients have been due to the forced participation and past negative experience. The positive attitude of the therapists has been due to prior training and prior positive results. The preparedness and perceived effectiveness observed in therapists and clients have also been studied at length in the research study. The preparedness observed in clients has been due to previous exposure and knowledge and in therapists it has been due to extensive practice and the perceived effectiveness seen in clients. The perceived effectiveness observed in clients have been at three levels. They are physiological well- being, psychological well- being and improved relationships in the family. The perceived effectiveness in therapists have been seen as increased emotional and physical well- being as well as increased competence in the profession.

Elizabeth Sarah George

Psychology