The Role of African American Folk Beliefs in the Modern Therapeutic Process

In response to a need for more cultural competency in indigenous practices, this article examines folk beliefs and healing practices in African American culture from theoretical, clinical, and practical perspectives. Four empirically derived culture‐specific factors—spirituality, ritual, power of words, and dreams—are presented as themes often embedded in African American clients’ narratives. A clinical case example illustrates the use of narrative therapy as an approach in therapy with a depressed client who subscribes to a folk belief system. Finally, interview questions and suggestions are given concerning how to better incorporate African American folk beliefs and healing practices in counseling and psychotherapy