Decolonized Therapy in Philadelphia, PA
Welcome back for the second blog post of two on decolonized therapy in the United States of America. Read part one here.
🦉 Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Practices
Integrating indigenous knowledge and practices into mental health care is a crucial aspect of decolonized therapy. Call it indigenous, ancestral, precolonial, or native — the first peoples of the Americas and all colonized lands carry their own healing practices and wisdom traditions. These traditional methods often offer holistic approaches to health and well-being that can complement and truly deepen conventional therapeutic practices.
One way to integrate indigenous knowledge into therapy is by incorporating traditional healing practices. This can include rituals, ceremonies, prayers, songs, and other cultural practices that have been used for generations to promote mental and emotional well-being. By recognizing the value of these practices as highly as western-developed therapeutic practices, therapists can create a more meaningful therapeutic experience for their clients.
Another important aspect of integrating indigenous knowledge is the inclusion of indigenous healers and community leaders in the therapeutic process. These individuals often hold deep cultural knowledge and can provide valuable insights and support to the healing process. It is normal and desirable for a person of color in America to see both a therapist and a healer — or multiple healing arts workers for that matter. When therapists see themselves in collaboration with indigenous healers in the service of their clients’ healing, clients can truly trust that their healing comes first and above all colonial and capitalist conceptions of healing.
Additionally, integrating indigenous knowledge requires a commitment to respecting and valuing the cultural beliefs and practices of indigenous communities. This involves creating a therapeutic environment that is affirming and respectful of these cultural traditions. By doing so, therapists can help individuals reconnect with their cultural identity and find strength and resilience in their cultural heritage.
🪲 Challenges in Implementing Decolonized Therapy
Implementing decolonized therapy presents several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability. One of the primary challenges is the lack of cultural competence and awareness among mental health professionals. Many therapists are trained in Western-centric models of care that may not adequately address the unique needs and experiences of marginalized communities. To overcome this challenge, there is a need for comprehensive training and education programs that focus on cultural humility, competence, and the principles of decolonized therapy. Even further, there is a need for the therapist to undergo their own cultural reckoning and healing, which will necessarily look different based upon the therapist’s heritage and identity.
Another significant challenge is the systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing mental health care. These barriers include economic inequality, discrimination, and lack of resources. Addressing these systemic issues requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policy changes, community advocacy, and increased funding for mental health services. By advocating for social justice and equity, therapists can help create a more inclusive and accessible mental health system.
Additionally, there may be resistance to decolonized therapy from within the mental health field. Some practitioners may be hesitant to adopt new approaches or may not fully understand the importance of historical healing or cultural empowerment. Overcoming this resistance requires the openness to ongoing education, dialogue, and collaboration to create a shared understanding of the value and necessity of decolonized therapy.
🌳 Decolonized Therapy Applied
Case studies of successful applications of decolonized therapy provide valuable insights into its effectiveness and impact. These real-world examples demonstrate how integrating cultural empowerment and inclusivity into mental health care can lead to meaningful and transformative outcomes for individuals and communities.
One such case study involves a community-based mental health program for indigenous youth in Canada. The program, developed in collaboration with indigenous leaders and healers, incorporates traditional healing practices, cultural rituals, and community support into its therapeutic model. By creating a culturally relevant and inclusive environment, the program has seen significant improvements in the mental health and well-being of the participating youth. The community of people running this initiative is an example that highlights the power of uplifting the historically and systemically disenfranchised.
Another example is a decolonized therapy initiative in South Africa that addresses the mental health needs of individuals affected by the legacy of apartheid. It places the African principle of ubuntu with gravity, a principle coined from the phrase “umntu ngumntu ngabantu” which translates to “a person is a person through other persons”. The program integrates traditional African healing practices, such as storytelling and communal rituals, with conventional therapeutic approaches. The program has been able to provide more empathetic and effective care by acknowledging the historical trauma and systemic oppression experienced by the community. This initiative celebrates the bidirectional healing between person and community.
A third case study involves a mental health clinic in the United States that serves a diverse population of immigrants and refugees. The clinic has adopted a decolonized therapy framework that names immigration as a highly stressful to traumatic event and in so doing has facilitated a socially just, whole-person, and culturally competent approach to mental health services. By acknowledging the systemic barriers to care for immigrants, the clinic has been able to provide more effective and compassionate support to its clients. In its valuation of the dignity and deservingness of immigrant wellness, the clinic the stability, social-emotional adjustment, and family harmony of the people and families that have immigrated,
🌱 Future Directions for Mental Health and Cultural Inclusivity
The future of mental health care lies in the continued pursuit of cultural inclusivity and empowerment. As the field evolves, there is a growing recognition of the importance of decolonized therapy and its potential to transform mental health practices. By embracing cultural diversity and integrating indigenous knowledge, the mental health field can create a more inclusive and equitable system that meets the needs of all individuals.
One of the key future directions for mental health is the development of comprehensive training and education programs for mental health professionals. These programs should focus on cultural humility, competence, and the principles of decolonized therapy. By equipping therapists with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally relevant care, the mental health field can create a more inclusive and effective model of care.
Another important direction is the continued advocacy for social justice and equity within the mental health system. This involves addressing the systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing care, such as economic inequality, discrimination, and lack of resources. By advocating for policy changes and increased funding for mental health services, the field can create a more accessible and equitable system.
Additionally, the future of mental health care should involve ongoing collaboration with communities and cultural leaders. By working together, therapists and communities can develop culturally relevant and inclusive therapeutic practices that resonate with the diverse identities and experiences of individuals seeking care. This collaborative approach can lead to more effective and meaningful healing processes, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
In conclusion, decolonized therapy represents a transformative shift in the mental health field, promoting cultural empowerment and inclusivity. By recognizing the historical and social contexts that shape mental health, integrating indigenous knowledge, and advocating for social justice, decolonized therapy offers a more holistic and effective approach to mental wellness. As the field continues to evolve, the principles of decolonized therapy will play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and equitable mental health system for all.
☀️ Ready to Begin?
If you’ve been wondering whether therapy could truly work for you due to the social, cultural, and political nature of your wounds, have hope.
Therapy intensives—short-term, focused, half-day or day-long sessions—may be a great fit for your lifestyle if you’re balancing school, work, or caregiving and need deep healing without committing to several months of therapy or longer.
Ongoing hour-long sessions in a weekly or every-other-week format may be more your speed if you want to build slow, gradual, and sustainable change.
Extended therapy sessions that go beyond the hour but are briefer than intensives may help you meet your long-term goals within a shorter timeframe by allowing you to go deeper.
You deserve healing that honors your heritage, your truth, and your future. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward reclaiming your mental health.
About the Author
Chelsea Adams, LPC is a licensed therapist with over 7 years of experience supporting clients in Pittsburgh. She specializes in intergenerational, relational, religious, and systemic trauma and uses a decolonized model of evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, Somatic Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and therapy intensives to help clients connect to their own wisdom, voice, and power. Chelsea is committed to providing compassionate, expert care online for clients across Pennsylvania.
