Call for Abstract Submission - Special Issue on:

Psycho-Spiritual Practices in Arts Therapies in Africa and the Global South

Introduction:

Indigenous communities, as the original inhabitants of lands with unique cultural identities, distinct traditions, and deep ancestral connections to their lands, have historically experienced forced removals from their homelands. They remain epistemically, ontologically, and/or socioeconomically excluded from modern states. Acknowledging and understanding these unique challenges they face is crucial, which sets the context for our special journal issue.

From Indigenous perspectives, personhood is defined through interrelation, interbeing, and humanning processes encompassing constant beingness. This understanding, which includes self, spiritual, elemental, and metaphysical aspects, is crucial for psychotherapy in Africa and the Global South. The special journal issue explores how to integrate these Indigenous understandings of personhood into psychotherapeutic practices.

Context:

Embracing a person's spiritual dimension is fundamental to human development, and working with the whole person in their context is, therefore, crucial from an Indigenous perspective, particularly in scenarios where local beliefs may intersect with psychological diagnoses (e.g., attributing symptoms of schizophrenia to witchcraft).

This special journal issue is of significant importance as it explores the integration of psycho-spiritual practices in arts therapies in Africa and the Global South. Its aims include discussing and elucidating how psychotherapeutic practices can encompass psychological and spiritual dimensions, considering Indigenous perspectives of personhood and mental health. We believe that your potential contributions are not just valuable but crucial to the success of this endeavour.

Themes and Topics:

We invite submissions from practitioners, theorists, and thinkers who demonstrate how they work with the whole person, acknowledging the African perspective that includes the intangible, immaterial, and irrational. Submissions may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  • Definitions and conceptual frameworks of psycho-spiritual practices in arts therapies.
  • Case studies demonstrating the integration of psycho-spiritual practices in the arts therapies.
  • The role of indigenous healing practices and beliefs in therapeutic arts settings.
  • The impact of cultural and spiritual beliefs on arts therapies outcomes.
  • Challenges and strategies for integrating psycho-spiritual elements into evidence-based practices.
  • Theoretical explorations of spiritual growth within the context of arts therapies in Africa and the Global South.
  • The intersection of psycho-spiritual practices with social justice and holistic healing.

 

Submission Guidelines

Abstract and Keywords:

Provide an abstract of no more than 250 words summarising the paper's main points.

Include 4-6 keywords that capture the main topics of the paper.

Date for abstract submission: 26 September 2024

 

Final papers will be required to adhere to the following:

Document Format:

  • Documents should be prepared in Microsoft Word format.
  • Use 12-point Times New Roman font.
  • Double-spacing throughout the manuscript.
  • Margins should be 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides.
  • Pages should be numbered consecutively in the bottom right corner.

Word Count:

  • Submissions should be between 4,000 and 6,000 words, including references, tables, and figures.

Title Page:

  • Include a separate title page with the title of the manuscript, the author's name(s), affiliation(s), contact information (email address and phone number), and a short biographical note (up to 100 words).

Headings and Subheadings:

  • Organize the content using clear and concise headings and subheadings. Follow APA 7th edition guidelines for formatting.

Citations and References:

  • All in-text citations and references must adhere to the APA 7th edition style.
  • Provide a complete reference list at the end of the manuscript.

Tables and Figures:

  • Tables and figures should be included in the main document but placed after the references.
  • Each table and figure should be numbered consecutively and include a descriptive title.
  • Ensure that all tables and figures are referenced in the text.

Permissions:

  • Authors are responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce any copyrighted material in their submission.

Submission Process:

  • Submit your paper electronically via [submission portal/email address].
  • Ensure the file includes the lead author's last name and a short title (e.g., Smith_PsychoSpiritualTherapy.docx).

Review Process:

  • All submissions will undergo a double-anonymized peer review process.
  • Authors will receive feedback and may be asked to revise their papers based on reviewers' comments.

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Abstract submission deadline: 13 September 2024
  • Notification of abstract acceptance: 05 October 2024
  • Submission of paper to reviewers: 13 December 2024
  • Reviewers feedback to authors: 24 January 2025
  • Authors submit corrections: 14 February 2025
  • Final feedback from reviewers: 7 March 2025
  • Submit papers for production: 15 March 2025

Paper Submission Deadline:

  • Final papers will be submitted by 13 December 2024

Contact Information:

For further information and submission details, please get in touch with [Lireko, Nsamu, Vasintha} Special Issue Editors, Contact Information: Lireko Qhobela lirekoqhobela@gmail.com; Nsamu Moonga mwendandende@gmail.com; Vasintha Pather vasintha@gestalt-leadership.com.