Decolonizing Therapy: Centering Indigenous and Ancestral Healing in Mental Health Practices

Background and Purpose

The field of mental health in North America has historically been shaped by Eurocentric models of diagnosis and treatment, often marginalizing Indigenous, Latinx, and other non-Western healing practices (Torres Rivera & Torres Fernandez, 2024). Decolonizing therapy aims to challenge and transform these paradigms by integrating culturally grounded, community-centered, and ancestral healing methods. This approach is particularly significant for marginalized communities who experience disparities accessing culturally responsive mental health care. This scoping review maps and synthesizes existing literature on the principles and implications of decolonizing therapy, highlighting its role in fostering healing through culturally affirming practices.

Methods

This study employs a scoping review methodology to assess the existing literature on decolonizing therapy. Using a structured search strategy, peer-reviewed articles were identified across multiple databases, including PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria prioritized studies published between 2020 and 2025 that explicitly examine decolonizing therapeutic approaches, Indigenous healing practices, and culturally responsive mental health interventions. A thematic synthesis was conducted to identify gaps in the literature, highlighting areas where further empirical research is needed. Additionally, the review examined barriers to implementation that impact the integration of decolonized approaches into mainstream mental health services.

Findings

Preliminary findings indicate that decolonizing therapy is characterized by several key components: (1) the incorporation of Indigenous epistemologies and traditional healing practices, such as storytelling, ritual, and plant-based medicine; (2) a focus on intergenerational healing, addressing historical trauma and systemic oppression; (3) community-based interventions that emphasize collective well-being over individual pathology; and (4) the critical examination of Western psychological constructs that may pathologize culturally normative behaviors. Participants emphasize the importance of cultural humility and reciprocal learning in therapeutic settings. Moreover, practitioners highlight barriers such as institutional resistance, licensing constraints, and lack of funding for culturally specific mental health services.

Conclusion and Implications

Decolonizing therapy presents a transformative paradigm shift in mental health care, advocating for holistic, culturally responsive healing approaches. By validating Indigenous and ancestral knowledge systems, this approach challenges the dominance of Western psychological models and fosters more inclusive, effective mental health interventions. The findings underscore the necessity for policy changes that support the integration of decolonized methods into mainstream therapy training and licensure. Additionally, mental health institutions must invest in community-driven initiatives and research that centers on the voices of historically marginalized populations. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of decolonizing therapy on mental health and well-being to identify existing gaps and inform necessary areas for further research and policy development.