Abstract
M.A.
Family therapy is based on First World therapeutic methods and has been used
effectively by therapists in that context. Literature (Mason & Rubenstein, 1989:39;
Horton & Hunt, 1984:15) reveals that family therapy can also work well in the
Third World "if it is not for the blacks but also of the blacks". Innovations are most
readily accepted when they fit within the existing culture. These statements
suggest that family therapy needs to be practised within the context of a particular
culture.
The purpose of this study is to establish and present guidelines for the
implementation of family therapy in social work in Tsonga families. The study was
conducted among social workers in the employment of welfare agencies that have
been using family therapy with Tsonga people for three years or more in the
Lowveld and Northern regions of the Northern Province. Twelve social workers
were selected but only eight participated in the study.
Semi-structured interview was used to gather data for the research. The research
finding reveals that cultural consideration is essential when working with Tsonga
people because they are still adherent to cultural practices. The findings provided
a basis through which guidelines for use by social workers in family therapy with
Tsonga people were established. The study presents the guidelines as
recommendations to be considered when practising family therapy within Tsonga
culture.