Abstract
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
The present study, in an attempt to provide conceptual clarification of issues surrounding cross-cultural psychotherapy in South Africa, explores a variety of problems
which may arise in the practice of psychotherapy in this context. This involves an examination of the implications of a notion of culture for the broader socio-political context in this country. Interviews were conducted with qualified clinical psychologists
who work in contexts where they are engaged in psychotherapy with people from different cultural backgrounds in order to obtain qualitative data regarding their perceptions and conceptualisations of cross-cultural psychotherapy. It was found that themes similar to those elicited from a review of the relevant literature were discussed by the psychologists that were interviewed. These themes are conceptualised as a dialectic which is then explored using the framework of cybernetic complementarities. A conceptual clarification of cross cultural-psychotherapy is presented in an attempt to resolve this dialectic. Recommendations for further research in this context are made.