A South African Odyssey for Psychologists and Psychotherapists
29th March to 12th April 2025
Healing Horizons Healing Horizons
Bridging Inner Wisdom and Cultural Practices: A Transformative Professional Development Journey
This unique professional development program offers psychologists and psychotherapists an immersive experience in South Africa, blending cultural exploration, Indigenous healing practices, and Jungian psychology. This tour, limited to a small group, is designed to enhance participants' understanding of both external African cultural contexts and the internal world of therapists engaged in optimising their effectiveness as practitioners.
Unique Professional Development Program A Unique Professional Development Program
This professional development program will be led by guides with expertise in psychology, psychotherapy, and local culture.
Participants will gain valuable insights to inform their clinical practice while experiencing personal growth and cultural enrichment.
Background
In many African cultural contexts, becoming a healer is not a choice but a calling, often dictated by ancestors. This journey begins with a crisis known as "thwasa" among the Xhosa, leading to a long apprenticeship with an Indigenous healer. During this time, the apprentice engages in rituals, shares and interprets dreams, and participates in nightly and early morning dance routines where insights are exchanged. They also learn diagnostic skills (vumisa), where the body reveals knowledge leading to healing, akin to embodied countertransference. Similarly, in the psychodynamic world, therapists often have personal histories that guide their professional paths, encapsulated in the notion of "vocation" (vocāre, meaning "to call") and the Jungian archetype of the wounded healer.
This professional development program aims to provide insights from both indigenous healing practices and Jungian Depth psychology. Participants will gain skills to integrate these practices into their work, enhancing their understanding of the therapeutic relationship, the unconscious, and embodied countertransference, ultimately informing their clinical practice.
Key components
1. Cultural Immersion and Indigenous Healing
Explore South African landscapes and cultural heritage.
Engage with Indigenous healers and traditional healing practices.
Understand local idioms of distress and healing approaches.
Study the "calling" of healers in African cultures (e.g., thwasa among the Xhosa)
Learn about diagnostic skills (vumisa) and embodied knowledge in traditional healing
2. Jungian Psychology Focus
Seminars on Carl Jung's theories and their applications.
Exploration of archetypes, myths, and dreams
Collaboration with experts from the Jung Society, Cape Town, Southern Africa.
3. Personal and Professional Growth
Mindfulness and reflective practice.
Cultural immersion and diversity.
Integrating the personal and the professional.
4. Therapeutic Practice Enhancement
Gain insights into the therapeutic relationship and unconscious processes.
Understanding embodied countertransference.
Apply learnings to contemporary. psychotherapy practice.
Key components cont....
5. Professional Development Credit
Align with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
6. Explore the Beautiful South African Landscape
Travel through Indigenous flora and fauna of the Transkei Region
Visit Mponga Game Reserve
Climb Table Mountain (optional)
Enjoy Cape Point, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean
Visit Exquisite Wine Farms and Dylan Lewis Sculpture Gardens
In the Australian context, psychotherapy often emphasises rational and cognitive approaches, sometimes overlooking unconscious processes and the embodied experiences of both patients and therapists. This program aims to address these limitations by exploring healing practices from other cultures and integrating these insights into contemporary therapeutic practice.
1. Introduction to Phenomenology and Embodiment in Psychotherapy
Learning Goals
Goal: Develop a foundational understanding of phenomenology and the concept of the lived body in psychotherapy.
Objectives:
Understand the basic principles of phenomenology
Gain an understanding of African Healing Practices
Critically reflect on your own clinical practice drawing upon your learnings of Indigenous practice
2. African Healing Practices Reflected in Phenomenology
Goal: Examine Indigenous African healing from a phenomenological perspective.
Identify key phenomenological concepts used by African healers.
Compare and contrast these practices with Western phenomenological approaches in psychotherapy.
Goal: Gain insight into alternative cosmologies, including ancestral knowledge and their impact on mental health and healing.
Objectives:
3. Understanding Alternative Cosmologies
Study the cosmological frameworks of Indigenous African cultures.
Understand how these cosmologies influence the perception and treatment of mental health issues. Explore the role of spiritual beliefs and practices in the healing process.
4. Healing from a Jungian Perspective
Learning Goals cont...
Goal: Analyse Carl Jung's contributions to embodiment and the human psyche and their relevance to Indigenous and contemporary healing practices.
Objectives:
Review key Jungian concepts such as the collective unconscious, archetypes, and individuation. Investigate the intersections between Jungian psychology and Indigenous healing practices. Discuss how Jungian theory can be integrated with contemporary psychotherapy.
Goal: Apply knowledge from Indigenous healing practices and Jungian perspectives to enhance therapeutic practices in Australia.
5. Application to Australian Clinical Practice
Objectives:
Reflect on how insights from Indigenous African healing can inform clinical practice in Australia. Develop strategies for incorporating alternative cosmologies and phenomenological approaches into therapy.
Create a framework for integrating Jungian concepts within contemporary psychotherapeutic techniques.
By achieving these learning goals, participants will gain a deep and multifaceted understanding of Indigenous healing practices, phenomenology, and Jungian psychology, equipping them to incorporate these insights into their therapeutic practices.
This experiential tour offers direct engagement with Indigenous healers and Jungian psychotherapists, focusing on:
African Healing Systems:
Explore local healing practices and cultural heritage.
Jungian Psychology:
Examine Jung's theories with experts from the Southern African Association of Jungian Analysts.
Personal Exploration:
Engage in transformative processes, including Holotropic Breathwork, active imagination, symbol and dream work.
Participant Contributions:
Opportunity to present papers and or case discussions aligned with tour themes, contributing to CPD credits
Dialogue with Jungian Analysts and Traditional Health Practitioners Monkey Valley, Cape Town 2018
Mercy H Nqandeka: Writer and agriculturalist
Don't Upset ooMalume: A Guide to Stepping Up Your Xhosa Game
Travel Itinerary
Itinerary for a 15-Day Psychotherapists Professional Itinerary a 15-Day Psychotherapists Professional Development Program and Tour to South Africa Development Program and to South Africa
Key Features of this unique tour
Indigenous Healing in Transkei:
Visits and learning experiences with Indigenous healers (Amagqira), integrating traditional healing practices.
Jungian Workshops in Cape Town:
In-depth learning and workshops focusing on foundational and advanced Jungian concepts.
Personal Reflection and Exploration
Time for personal reflection and exploration of natural surroundings.
Opportunities for clinical supervision with:
Renee Ramsden and Stephen Bloch, both clinical psychologists and Jungian analysts, (By prior arrangement only and not included in tour cost.)
Contact us for a Tour Information Package
A Visit to Stellenbosch and Cape Winelands A Visit to Stellenbosch and Winelands
The Cape Winelands District is very accessible from the city of Cape Town. In fact, the first point of entry to the district, historical Stellenbosch, is a mere 20-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. The district covers an area of around 24 000 km2 that is mostly made up of agricultural land and indigenous fynbos vegetation (proteas, ericas, etc.), and is home to five municipal jurisdictions that include 14 towns The valleys are protected by majestic mountains, many of which hold ancient rock paintings, and are ideal for climbing and abseiling (for the more adventurous). As one of the world’s most ecologically diverse areas, the Cape Winelands is also rich in fauna with a variety of birds and wild animals such as the shy mountain buck, sometimes seen wandering on trails.
Visit the Cape Wineland District Website
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the beautiful Werf Restaurant in the Boschendale winery
Positioned in a beautifully revamped original cellar of the Manor House this unique dining establishment focuses on presenting contemporary soil-to-fork cuisine using only the best available local, seasonal, and ethically sourced ingredients. Their sharing plate menu features produce from the farm and their Werf Food Garden, the bright, lively colours of which are visible from the conservatory. Diners can look forward to signature dishes such as Black Angus beef, Forest Reared Duroc pork, and freshly picked herbs and vegetables
Visit the Werf Restaurant Website
Tour Structure Tour Structure
The tour will comprise two distinct but interconnected learning experiences.
Transkei Experience
Xhosa Cultural Practices and Traditional Healers
Focus on Xhosa cultural practices and the role of traditional healers
Explore Indigenous healing systems and their applications.
Please view the recommended reading list for this professional development tour.
Cape Town
Co-ordinated by Renee Ramsden, a clinical psychologist and Jungian analyst based in Cape Town.
Delve into the inner world of therapists and the concept of being called to the practice of psychotherapy. Renee is a foundation member of the Southern African Association for Jungian Analysts (SAAJA) and a training analyst.
This structure ensures a comprehensive exploration of both external cultural practices and internal psychological processes, enriching participants' professional and personal development
Itinerary
Arrival in Johannseburg
Evening: Welcome dinner and orientation session discussing the theme of the trip healing and self-discovery through the lens of Jungian psychology.
Dinner: Meet with a leading local psychologist, Prof Chris Stones, who will introduce clinical psychology in the African context and share experiences relating to the teaching and practice of psychology during the era of apartheid, as well as the changes that have occurred in the country. Chris has made many contributions to the field, including his editorship of the Indo-Pacific Journal of Psychology
Option
Participants who choose to arrive one day earlier may use the first day to visit the Apartheid Museum and understand the historical context and collective trauma. This can be arranged.
Journey to the Transkei
Morning: Travel to East London, then ground transport to Bulungula, situated within the Transkei region, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional healing practices.
Afternoon: Settle into Bulungula a community-run eco-lodge, and relax after the journey View Bulungula eco-lodge
Evening: Brief introduction to the upcoming activities and informal group discussion.
Travel Information
The road trip from East London to Bulungula is approximately 250-300 km and typically takes around 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. The route involves travelling through rural areas and may include some unpaved roads, especially as you get closer to Bulungula.
We have carefully planned our journey through the Transkei region to align with the provided schedule. However, please be aware that unforeseen circumstances beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to our itinerary and inclusions.
Day 3
Transkei and Bulungula
Morning: Meet with Mercy Nqandeka, who will oversee the first component of the experience. She will provide a brief overview of traditional healing practices and also share some background as this relates to her PhD, which she is undertaking.
Meet with a herbalist (ixhwele), and go on a gentle walk, learning about the local pharmacopeia. One interesting plant is Silene Capensis, which is used to induce dreaming.
Cultural Sensitivity
Mercy will also provide an introduction to etiquette and cultural sensitivity, given the nature of the visit.
Afternoon: Meet with local initiates, who may be experiencing ukuthwasa, and share stories of “being called”.
Monday Day 4
Tuesday
Transkei and Bulungula
Activity: We are going to visit a group of Amagqirha at Manganyela, near Xhorha. We plan to engage in a discussion with the healers and close that with umxhentso.
The experience is designed to provide insights into Indigenous healing methods and philosophies.
Umxhentso refers to a dance encouraged by healers, in which participants are encouraged to be in touch with their physicality and the ways in which meaning is experienced within the body.
Travel Information
Bulungula to Elliotdale: Elliotdale is about 60-70 km from Bulungula, which could take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours due to rural road conditions.
Learning about local plants in healing. This is a Silene Capensis, used for fostering dreaming which are important in the healing process within African contexts.
Transkei and Bulungula
Free time to explore local community
Wednesday will be a free day for self-exploration. The guide will be available for those who wish to discuss aspects of their experience or learn more about local culture.
Evening: A facilitated session, led by Mercy, to reflect upon your experience and ways in which the experience contributes to your understanding of self and your role as a clinician. There will also be an initial discussion around the parallels between traditional beliefs and Jungian concepts.
Travel from Bulungula Lodge to MPonga Private Game Reserve
Eastern Cape: Stay overnight at the MPonga Private Game Reserve
Morning: Following a leisurely breakfast and a short walk, participants will travel by bus to the MPonga Game Reserve
Afternoon: Explore MPonga Game Reserve with a guide on a 2-hour game drive (bookings essential)
Evening: Structured reflection on the experience and introduction to the Cape Town Program
Travel Information:
Bulungula to Eastern Cape: The journey from Bulungula to MPonga Game Reserve is about 280 km and could take around 4.5 hours.
Travel to Cape Town
Morning: Leave MPonga Game Reserve and travel to East London airport
Afternoon: Settle into accommodation in Cape Town
Evening: Group dinner and relaxation. Reflective group discussion on the experience of being in nature and its impact on psychological well-being.
Travel Information:
MPonga Game Reserve to East London Airport: This is a shorter journey of about 47 km, typically taking 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Saturday - Leisure time in Cape Town
Morning: A nature immersion with Eco Psychologist Jeff Rink www.ecopsychologyafrica.com
Focusing on the relationship between nature and psychology and how nature can facilitate healing.
Afternoon: Tour of Cape Town, including Table Mountain and Robben Island, reflecting on the psychological impact of history and landscape. (Optional)
Evening: Group dinner and reflection.
Commence 5-Day Program including with members of the Southern African Association of Jungian Analysts
View the Southern African Association of Jungian Analysts
Please note that the following schedule is flexible and may be adjusted based on the group’s needs and facilitator availability.
Morning: Workshop focusing on foundational Jungian concepts and their applications in personal and collective healing.
Afternoon: Open
Evening: Informal group discussion and dinner.
Morning: Introduction to Holotropic Breathwork principles and practice incorporating a Jungian perspective
Afternoon: Holotropic Breathwork session
Evening: Dinner, reflection and integration.
Day 11
Tuesday
Program with members of the Southern African Association of Jungian Analysts in Cape Town
Morning: Seminar on advanced Jungian topics such as archetypes, the collective unconscious, and dream analysis.
Afternoon: Open
Evening: Group reflection and dinner.
Day 12
Wednesday
Leisure Day.: Visit to Cape Winelands and Boschendal
Cape Winelands
Day trip to Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands: Lunch at the Werf Restaurant in Boschendale
Morning: Scenic drive to the Winelands.
Afternoon: Wine tasting and discussions on the balance between leisure and work in maintaining mental health. Travel back to Cape Town.
Evening: Free time.
Day 13 & 14
Thursday
Friday
Program with members of the Southern African Association of Jungian Analysts in Cape Town
Day 13 Morning: Exploring Indigenous African healing traditions through a Jungian lens.
Day 13 Afternoon: Open
Day 13 Evening: Group reflection and dinner.
Day 14 Morning: Exploring alternative cosmologies and ancestral knowledge.
Day 14: Afternoon: Open
Day 14 Evening: Group reflection and dinner.
Day 15: Saturday Departure
Morning: Final reflections and farewells.
Afternoon: Depart from Cape Town to Johannesburg, carrying the insights and experiences gained throughout the journey.
Arrive back in Australia on Sunday morning.
Professor Robert Schweitzer Tour Facilitators
Professor Robert Schweitzer is a distinguished academic, researcher, and clinician at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia. He holds the position of Adjunct Professor in the School of Psychology and Counselling Prof Schweitzer completed his post-graduate training in South Africa where he worked closely with indigenous healers and developed an understanding of their practices, which has continued to evolve as his learning in contemporary models of psychotherapy have evolved. Since moving to Australia, he played a pivotal role in establishing the clinical psychology program at QUT, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of psychology education. His research interests span a wide range of areas within clinical psychology, including phenomenological approaches, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, psychotherapy process and outcome studies.
Throughout his career, Prof Schweitzer has made significant contributions to the field of psychology through his research, publications, and mentorship of students. His work continues to influence the development of clinical psychology practice and education in Australia and beyond
Mercy H Nqandeka
Mercy H Nqandeka: Mercy is a PhD Candidate at Stellenbosch University Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka is an agriculturalist and entrepreneur dedicated to community empowerment and cultural preservation. She holds a BSc in Crop and Soil Science and an Honours in Soil Science from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, along with dual master's degrees from the National University of Ireland and SupAgro in France Facing employment challenges, she returned to her village in 2019 and founded Hombacrafts in 2020, a Xhosa beading company that preserves traditional crafts and provides economic opportunities. A prolific author, her works celebrate Xhosa culture, and her latest book, "Don’t Upset ooMalume: A Guide to Stepping Up Your Xhosa Game," was published in 2022 Currently pursuing a PhD in Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University, she researches indigenous health systems. Additionally, she shares her expertise internationally, having lectured at Utrecht College University in 2023. Hombakazi's efforts have made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for her community and beyond
Professor Chris Stones
Chris was formerly professor of Psychology and Head of Department at Rhodes University and later at the University of Johannesburg. His areas of focus include adolescent, adult and couples’ psychotherapy, corporate-based consulting, medico-legal and forensic psychologywhich includes psychological profiling.
Renee Ramsden
Dave Misso
Renee has been working in private practice in Cape Town for 40 years. She is a founder member of the Southern African Association for Jungian Analysts (SAAJA) and a training analyst She specialises in dream-analysis and has been teaching alchemy and psychology as presented by C.G. Jung to SAAJA candidates, the wider professional group and interested members of the public for 25 years. She has a longstanding interest in shamanism, ancient goddess cultures and their relevance for the feminine in our current world. She is currently serving on SAAJA’s Executive Committee as President. She is also co-facilitator of SAAJA’s Jung and Film events
Dave is a Counselling Psychologist with over 40 years of clinical experience and has a deep commitment to integrating innovative therapeutic models into practice As a PhD candidate, his research focuses on incorporating metacognitive strategies into treatment interventions for men who use domestic violence, offering new insights into improving client engagement and treatment outcomes. Dave has collaborated with leading figures in various therapeutic disciplines, including narrative therapy, solutionfocused therapy, and sensorimotor psychotherapy. He has collaborated and co-authored papers with Dr Giancarlo Dimaggio, Professor Robert Schweitzer and colleagues and the late Prof. Paul Lysaker, contributing significantly to the evolving field of metacognition in psychotherapy
Jeffrey Rink
Jeffrey has been facilitating Ecopsychology retreats since 1998, which affords him the opportunity to integrate his interest in the natural environment and traditional African culture with his profession as a psychologist. Jeffrey has presented papers on Clinical Hypnosis and Ecopsychology at professional conferences, appeared on radio and television shows, and given many public talks on these topics www.ecopsychologyafrica.com
