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01 November 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo SUPPLIED
Dr Prince Sarpong
Dr Prince Sarpong, Senior Lecturer in the School of Financial Planning Law at the University of the Free State.

As we deepen our understanding of the connection between money and psychology, financial therapy has gained popularity as a field of study. During World Mental Health Awareness Month, it was essential to delve into practical guidance for financial therapists, as well as for financial planners and mental health practitioners who are integrating financial therapy into their practice.

Dr Prince Sarpong, Senior Lecturer in the School of Financial Planning Law (SFPL) at the University of the Free State, and Prof Liezel Alsemgeest, Director of the SFPL, recently edited and published a book titled: Perspectives in Financial Therapy. Other academics from the SFPL who contributed to the book include Dr Rika van Zyl (Senior Lecturer) and Henda Kleingeld (Lecturer). 

Perspectives in Financial Therapy 

Published in July 2023, Perspectives in Financial Therapy aims to contribute to the body of knowledge in financial therapy. Both academics and practitioners in the mental health, financial planning, and related fields recognise the increasing prevalence of money-related psychological distress.

According to the editors, the primary target audience for this 14-chapter book includes academics and practitioners in the fields of financial therapy, financial planning, financial counselling, financial coaching, and mental health, as well as undergraduate and graduate students in these fields.

Mental well-being and financial matters

In Chapter One, Dr Sarpong begins by taking a close look at the developing field of financial therapy. He then investigates Models, Resources, and Tools Applied in Financial Therapy in Chapter Four. In this chapter, Dr Sarpong provides discussions on “the identified money scripts and money disorders in financial therapy, and on some of the main models, tools, and resources employed in financial therapy. The models in financial therapy are adapted mainly from the broader field of psychology and financial planning and can be employed by financial planners, financial therapists, and mental health professionals in helping clients to resolve their money-related distresses”.

Understanding generational differences is a crucial part of financial therapy. in Chapter Seven, Prof Alsemgeest touches on how each of the generations develops and distinguishes itself from other generations through shared social and historical life experiences. She added, “The chapter stresses that in the practice of financial therapy, it is important for practitioners to understand how each generation’s attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours around money were shaped, in order to be able to create rapport with a diverse group of clients.”

Comprehensive perspective on financial therapy

The book also delves into various other topics, including the brain and financial decision-making; practical application of neuroeconomics in financial planning; decolonising assessments in financial therapy from an African context; challenges, benefits, and implications for online financial therapy; couples and financial therapy; planning for and surviving divorce; rebuilding a stable emotional and financial foundation after divorce; therapeutic jurisprudence and estate planning; the limitations on freedom of testation, allaying estate planning fears through trusts; as well as a critical appraisal financial therapy.

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Knowledge sharing key to community building
2015-03-19

From the left: Prof Mabel Erasmus (UFS Service Learning) and Dr Ruth Albertyn (Stellenbosch University).
Photo: Mamosa Makaya

The Office of Community Engagement facilitated a workshop and book launch attended by NPO partners, PhD students, and university staff from various departments, on 11 and 12 March 2015 on the Bloemfontein Campus.  The book entitled Knowledge as Enablement between higher education and the third sector, written by Prof Mabel Erasmus from the Service Learning office and Dr Ruth Albertyn from Stellenbosch University, was the centre of discussion, during which the authors opened the floor to the audience to do a chapter-by-chapter analysis and discussion session.

The book makes a significant contribution to research concerning third-sector organisations, and highlights the value which they bring into engagement work.  Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice Rector: External Relations, officiated at the book launch. She applauded the valuable research and hard work that had gone into the project. Some of the workshop topics include ethics and knowledge sharing, technology and communication, social entrepreneurship and the challenges of shared value systems faced by NPOs.

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