Some intrapersonal qualities of SA homeopaths who have established successful private practices

•The experiences of SA homeopaths were explored using a qualitative phenomenological research design.•Their intrapersonal qualities were identified or inferred from their experiences and discussed within a theoretical context.•Intrapersonal qualities were found to generate inner-support and aid homeopaths attain their goal of a successful practice.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of homeopaths who have established successful private practices in South Africa (SA) with the aim of identifying some of their intrapersonal qualities which may have contributed to their establishing a successful practice.MethodThis was a qualitative phenomenological research design using in-depth interviews with homeopaths running successful private practices across 5 provinces in SA, which were digitally recorded. Of these, 18 were transcribed and analysed using a descriptive coding approach and strategies for phenomenological analysis. Themes and supporting categories are identified and described.FindingsHomeopaths experiences suggest that they are authentic, self-aware, self-reflective and proactive. They experienced a need for self-care and support and further found that their integrity, positive attitude, self-discipline and passion, contributed to their success in practice.ConclusionThe intrapersonal qualities can be roughly divided between those that generate inner-support and those which aid homeopaths attain their goal of establishing a practice and are therefore crucial aspects of success generation.