Dianetics in South Africa

What Is Dianetics?

Dianetics is a set of ideas and practices developed by American author L. Ron Hubbard and first published in 1950 in the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. The book became a bestseller and generated significant public interest in the years following its publication.

Dianetics proposes a model of the mind divided into two parts:

• The analytical mind — the rational, conscious part of the mind that processes information logically
• The reactive mind — a part of the mind that, according to Dianetics theory, stores complete recordings of painful or traumatic experiences, called engrams

Engrams are described as mental image pictures that are recorded during moments of pain, unconsciousness, or emotional distress. Dianetics theory holds that engrams can be triggered by stimuli associated with the original painful experience, causing irrational behaviour, emotional distress, and physical symptoms.

The goal of Dianetics practice is to locate and erase engrams through a process called auditing, with the aim of achieving a state called Clear — a condition in which the reactive mind has been erased and the individual is said to function at their full analytical capacity.

How Auditing Works

Auditing is the central practice of Dianetics. It is a one-on-one process conducted by a trained practitioner called an auditor. The person receiving auditing is called a preclear.

During an auditing session, the auditor guides the preclear through a structured process of recalling past experiences. The auditor uses a device called an E-meter (electropsychometer) — a simple galvanic skin response meter — to measure changes in electrical resistance in the skin, which are interpreted as indicators of emotional charge associated with particular memories or topics.

The auditor asks the preclear to recall and re-experience specific past events, with the goal of reducing the emotional charge associated with those events. Sessions typically last one to two hours. A full Dianetics programme involves multiple sessions over an extended period.

Auditors are trained through courses offered by Dianetics and Scientology organisations. In South Africa, the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation provides training and auditing services.

Dianetics and Scientology

Dianetics predates Scientology and is often described as the foundational practice from which Scientology developed. After the publication of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health in 1950, L. Ron Hubbard developed a broader philosophical and religious system called Scientology, which was formally established in the early 1950s.

Dianetics auditing is practised both within and outside the context of Scientology. Dianetics focuses specifically on the mind and mental wellbeing. Scientology is a broader religious and philosophical system that incorporates Dianetics but extends into spiritual and metaphysical territory.

Individuals considering Dianetics should be aware of this relationship and make inquiries about the organisational context in which auditing is offered.

Evidence Base

Dianetics has not been validated by peer-reviewed clinical research to the standard required by evidence-based medicine. The American Psychological Association and other professional bodies have not recognised Dianetics as an evidence-based treatment for any mental health condition.

The theoretical framework of Dianetics — including the concepts of engrams, the reactive mind, and the E-meter as a diagnostic tool — is not accepted by mainstream neuroscience or psychology.

Proponents of Dianetics report significant personal benefits from auditing, including reduced emotional distress, improved relationships, and enhanced mental clarity. These reports are largely anecdotal and have not been subject to controlled clinical evaluation.

As with any treatment option, individuals are encouraged to consider the available evidence, consult qualified health professionals, and make informed decisions about their care.

Regulatory Status in South Africa

Dianetics practitioners (auditors) are not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as mental health practitioners. Dianetics is not a regulated health profession under South African law.

This means that:

• Auditors are not required to meet statutory training standards
• Auditors are not subject to the HPCSA's ethical code and disciplinary procedures
• There is no statutory complaints mechanism for Dianetics auditing under South African health law
• Dianetics auditing is not covered by most South African medical aids

Individuals should be aware of this distinction when comparing Dianetics to regulated health professions such as psychology, psychiatry, or counselling. Under the National Health Act (Section 6), patients have the right to be informed about their treatment options and to make informed decisions about their care.

How Dianetics Compares to Other Treatment Options

The table below provides a factual comparison of Dianetics with other treatment options available in South Africa. This comparison is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation for or against any treatment.

Finding a Dianetics Practitioner in South Africa

The Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of South Africa maintains centres and a directory of practitioners. Individuals interested in learning more about Dianetics or finding a practitioner can contact: