Mr. Ganjar Roso's Traditional Therapy Based on Cultural and Religious Values from a Cross-Cultural Counseling Perspective

Talitha Laksmi Adibah (Universitas Islam Negeri Prof. K. H Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto)

International Journal of Counseling and Psychotherapy
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): International Journal of Counseling and Psychotherapy, 2(2), 2025

Background: In a multicultural society like Indonesia, traditional medicine based on cul-tural and religious values plays a significant role as an alternative and complement to mo-dern medical treatment. Objective: This study aims to describe the traditional therapy by Mr. Ganjar Roso in Banyumas, Central Java, from the perspective of cross-cultural counse-ling. Method: The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, using data collection techniques such as direct interviews and documentation from the YouTube channel "Ganjars Ngaji Roso." This method allows for an in-depth exploration of the therapeutic practices and their underlying cultural and spiritual values. Result: The findings reveal that Mr. Ganjar's therapy extends beyond physical healing to encompass psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects. His healing methods include sirasa (spiritual sensitivity), ilmu sabdo (prayers/mantras), and kasunyatan (spiritual silence), which are combined with Islamic practices such as dzikir, shalawat, and the recitation of Al-Fatihah. These practices reflect a holistic approach to counseling that integrates both spiritual and cultural dimensions. Conclusion: Mr. Ganjar's therapy can be viewed as a form of counseling that is holistic, con-textual, and deeply aligned with the local cultural and religious values. This approach em-phasises the importance of integrating local wisdom and spirituality in the healing process, making it a relevant model for cross-cultural counseling. Originality/Value: This study offers novel empirical and conceptual insights into the field of cross-cultural counseling and indigenous psychology by revealing how Javanese culturalspiritual values (sirasa, ilmu sabdo, kasunyatan) and Islamic traditions (dzikir, shalawat, Al-Fatihah) are integrated into holistic healing practices within the context of local traditional therapy in Banyumas, Central Java. These findings enrich the existing literature and serve as a strategic reference for counselors, mental health practitioners, and researchers in designing culturally responsive and spiritually integrated counseling frameworks.