Psychotherapy And Counselling: Attitudes Toward Mental Health Seeking Services In Nigeria

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Abstract

This paper explored the attitudes of Nigerians toward mental health seeking services with
regards to the reality of psychotherapy and counseling in Nigeria. Some cultural variables
that fuel the supposed neglect of the mental health issues in Nigeria were highlighted and
way-forward offered. Culture and society tend to influence all spheres of life including
mental health, mental illness, and mental health services. In view of this fact it becomes
pertinent to develop mental health services that would be more acceptable to the culture and
social environment where recipients are located. In addition, victims of mental health
challenges are reassured to feel safe in the hands of counsellors and psychotherapists, as
they passionately abhor stigmatization, social distancing and numerous cultural obnoxious
treatments to individuals impacted by mental health disorders or illnesses in Nigeria.

 

Authors: Catherine (Kate) N. Ekwe 1and Chijioke E. Ohuakanwa 2

Department of Educational Foundations and Counselling Research Unit,

Gender & Women Studies,

Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.

1E-mail: ekwekay@gmail.com

2E-mail: chijiokeohuakanwa@gmail.com

 

Description

This paper explored the attitudes of Nigerians toward mental health seeking services with
regards to the reality of psychotherapy and counseling in Nigeria. Some cultural variables
that fuel the supposed neglect of the mental health issues in Nigeria were highlighted and
way-forward offered. Culture and society tend to influence all spheres of life including
mental health, mental illness, and mental health services. In view of this fact it becomes
pertinent to develop mental health services that would be more acceptable to the culture and
social environment where recipients are located. In addition, victims of mental health
challenges are reassured to feel safe in the hands of counsellors and psychotherapists, as
they passionately abhor stigmatization, social distancing and numerous cultural obnoxious
treatments to individuals impacted by mental health disorders or illnesses in Nigeria.

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