What is Decolonized Healing?
Decolonized healing is a therapeutic approach that intentionally moves away from the Eurocentric ideals of mental health that have dominated mainstream therapy practices. It seeks to reconnect people, especially those from marginalized communities, to their cultural roots, traditions, and ancient wisdoms that supported healing long before colonialism disrupted these systems. Decolonized healing involves questioning and rejecting the continued harmful impacts of colonization on both individuals and cultures.
This process centers each person’s cultural background, offering a path back to authenticity and collective care, rather than prioritizing only individualistic forms of healing. It’s about building bridges back to values, practices, and beliefs that have fostered resilience and wellness across generations.
The conversation around decolonized healing has become more prevalent, especially with the work of Dr. Jennifer Mullan, "The Rage Doctor", who has long been a leading voice in the Decolonizing Therapy approach. Dr. Mullan’s work has illuminated the impact of systemic oppression on mental health and provided a framework for practitioners and clients alike to begin decolonizing their own healing journeys. These conversations are essential, not only for individuals seeking therapy but also for therapists in and entering the field, so they can become more culturally competent and responsive in their practices.
Therapy Through a Decolonizing Lens
When therapy is viewed through a decolonizing lens, the therapist and client work together to explore and integrate cultural elements into the healing process. This involves a deep understanding of how colonization has affected mental health, communities, and identities, along with a commitment to celebrate and center cultural experiences in therapy.
A key aspect of decolonized therapy is authenticity—therapists are encouraged to show up as their true selves, rather than conforming to Eurocentric standards of professionalism and healing. These standards often create distance from traditions and practices that resonate with clients. By rejecting these ideals, therapists foster a space that is more inclusive and affirming of diverse cultural identities.
Decolonized therapy may incorporate movement, ritual, music, spirituality, storytelling, and other cultural practices that resonate with the client’s identity and history. These practices honor the mind-body connection, moving away from a solely cognitive approach to healing. Authenticity and cultural integration create space for dynamic, culturally-informed experiences that honor both individual and collective healing.
Decolonized therapists also resist the notion of distancing themselves from their own cultural practices, bringing their full humanity and lived experiences into the room. This makes room for a deeper, more personal connection, allowing therapy to be both a professional and relational healing space.
Benefits of Decolonized Therapy for People of Color
For people of color, decolonized therapy offers benefits that are often absent in traditional therapeutic models, including:
Cultural Validation: Decolonized therapy recognizes and affirms cultural experiences, traditions, and identities, allowing people to heal in a way that honors their unique history rather than erasing or pathologizing it.
Collective Healing: Unlike the individualistic focus of many Western therapeutic approaches, decolonized therapy embraces collectivism. It supports not only the healing of the individual but also the well-being of families, communities, and future generations. This is crucial for navigating generational trauma or community-based struggles.
Authentic Connection: Therapists and clients connect more authentically, moving away from the impersonal nature of some traditional therapy models. This deep connection fosters trust, safety, and shared understanding, which can be healing in itself.
Reclamation of Traditional Practices: By integrating movement, music, storytelling, and spiritual practices, decolonized therapy allows clients to reclaim cultural healing methods. This holistic approach taps into wisdom that has sustained communities for centuries, grounding clients in their cultural roots.
Resistance to Oppression: Decolonized therapy doesn’t just focus on personal healing; it also encourages clients to resist systemic oppression. By understanding the historical and present-day impacts of colonization, clients are empowered to advocate for themselves and their communities in ways that promote justice and equity.
How to Know if Decolonized Therapy is for You
Decolonized therapy may resonate with you if you find yourself navigating the complexities of identity, culture, and systemic oppression.
Here are some signs that this approach could be beneficial:
Desire for Cultural Integration: You want a therapist who recognizes and values your cultural background. If you seek to integrate your cultural practices and beliefs into your healing process, a decolonized approach may be suitable.
Recognition of Systemic Barriers: You acknowledge the impact of systemic injustices and colonial histories on mental health. If you're looking to explore these connections in therapy, decolonized therapy can provide the space for that exploration.
Focus on Authenticity: You appreciate authenticity in therapeutic relationships. If you prefer a therapist who shows up as their true self rather than adhering to rigid professional standards, this approach may align with your values.
Interest in Collectivism: You value community and connection in the healing process. If you believe that healing can extend beyond individual work and incorporate family and community dynamics, a decolonized perspective will resonate with you.
Curiosity About Ancient Wisdoms: You are interested in exploring traditional healing practices and ancient wisdoms that have supported communities for generations. If you're eager to reconnect with these practices, this approach can help bridge that gap.
Willingness to Challenge Norms: You’re open to questioning and challenging mainstream therapeutic practices and the Eurocentric standards that often dominate the field. If you’re ready to engage in this critical dialogue, decolonized therapy may be a good fit.
Need for Trauma-Informed Care: You want a therapeutic environment that understands and addresses trauma in a culturally sensitive way. If your experiences include historical or intergenerational trauma, this approach can provide the understanding and support you need.
If you're interested in exploring how decolonized therapy can support your healing journey, we invite you to connect with us at The Connection. We are dedicated to providing a safe, authentic space for individuals seeking to integrate their cultural experiences into their mental health care.
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