News & Events Archive

In my practice I encounter a wide variety of individuals on a daily basis. Dealing with people makes you realise that there are those who make things happen albeit they face challenges, and those who'd rather see things happening from the sideline. Some "makers" are pioneers and without them change and development are unlikely. But what is a pioneer? Opening my dictionary I found the following:

pi·o·neer/ˌpīəˈni(ə)r/

1. One who ventures into unknown or unclaimed territory to settle.
2. One who opens up new areas of thought, research, or development: e.g.: a pioneer in aviation
3. A soldier who performs construction and demolition work in the field to facilitate troop movements.
4. Ecology An animal or plant species that establishes itself in a previously barren environment.

This newsletter is dedicated to a true pioneer of Namibian Psychology. One man who unquestionably ventured unclaimed territory, opened new areas of thought, research and development and certainly did his fair share of demolition and construction in the true sense of the word. It is indeed with great pleasure that I write about this extra-ordinary man who set deep footprints in the area of Psychology for us to follow in.

Allow me to tell you more about his ventures: Dr. Herman Raath (B.A., B.A. Hons., M.A. Clin. Psych., D. Phil.) was born in Vereeninging, South Africa. After his school career in Heidelberg and Paarl he studied at the University of Stellenbosch, UNISA and the University of the North where he completed his doctorate degree in clinical psychology. He worked in private practice, lectured at the University of the North and acted as Head of Psychology in Hospitals and Prisons across South Africa before he moved to Namibia in 1989 to become the head of vocational services at the Department of Civic affairs and Manpower. In Windhoek he continued part time private practice and worked at the State Psychiatric Hospital as Senior Clinical Psychologist. His research included topics such as: Treatment of Psychopaths within therapeutic Community. The development of a Token Economy System for Psychopaths, Establishment of a Psychiatric unit within traditional psychological system, Productivity in Namibia, Group violence within a Psychological Eco-system and the Research project into maladaptive behaviour within the Police Force of Namibia.

He served as chairman and secretary of the Psychological Association of Namibia, member of the Council for Health and Social Services and as President of the Namibian Board of Psychologists until 2003 after which he became the President of the Council for Social Work and Psychology Professions. He lectured post-graduate students at UNAM and rounded off his versatile career by establishing Okonguarri Psychotherapeutic Centre.

The second quality of a pioneer: to open new areas of thought, research and development manifested in the unique concept of Okonguarri which he and a team of hard working labourers constructed in person – thus fulfilling the third characteristic demolition and construction. Dr. Raath's experience and expertise in Psychometric Evaluations, Behaviour-therapy programmes, Individual Psychotherapy, Couple therapy, Group Psychotherapy, Family Psychotherapy, Treatment of Ethanol Dysfunction, Personnel training, placement and selection, Vocational Guidance, Forensic Psychology / Psychiatry, Industrial Relations Management / Collective Bargaining, Research in Psychology, Assertiveness Training, Administration and Training and Evaluation of Masters' students (Psychology) made Okonguarri the unique centre it is today. Okonguarri is one-of-a-kind in Namibia and can accurately be compared with the first sprigs in a barren land.

After 14 years as CEO and Specialist Clinical Psychologist at the Centre Dr. Raath decided to step down and hand over management the group of Professionals which readers got to know in the previous newsletter. We are honoured to build on his legacy and consider ourselves fortunate to still be able to have him as our consultant and advisor. Therefore, a warm high-five to you, Dr. Herman Raath.

Change is ever-present in nature – we experience the seasons transforming – each bringing its own unique characteristics to be joyful about. We as human beings are constantly submitted to change as well and it is the art of living to dance in wonderful tact with these changes. At Okonguarri we embrace the cycles of nature, and thus, the cycles of life. We are proud to be part of it and do not resist these changes albeit sometimes a challenge as with all things new.

In January 2011 a new Okonguarri Psychotherapeutic Centre opened its doors to the community of Namibia. Still treasuring the values we live by and the high standards in patient care, Okonguarri is now under new management. Dr. H.A. Raath, the founder and father of Okonguarri, whose footsteps in clinical psychology in Namibia are profound and cherished, handed the fruit of his labour over to a group of skilled professionals. Okonguarri is proud to introduce the new group who are all dedicated to maintain high levels of patient care and constantly evaluate and improve the services rendered to the community up until now.