Cultural differences can obstruct the therapeutic relationship. Misperceptions can frustrate both patients and therapists. Directive psychotherapy is a problem-oriented approach which appeals to many allochtonous Dutch patients. Several motivation-techniques – based on the directive therapy style – have been used in the treatment of a schizophrenic black patiënt from Surinam, who was obsessed with a ‘Bakru’, an evil deity that was burdened upon him due to ancestral vices. By accepting this problem and actively seeking a congruous solution, the therapist was able to persuade the patiënt into accepting the psychiatric (western) diagnosis and complying with a pharmaceutical treatment.