Decolonizing Counselling: Integrating Non-Western Perspectives in Mental Health Intervention
- Title
- Decolonizing Counselling: Integrating Non-Western Perspectives in Mental Health Intervention
- Creator
- Misra, Girishwar; Gopal, Baiju; Misra, Indiwar; Thomas, Tissy Mariam; Gala, Jigisha; Bedi, Robinder P.
- Description
- This paper discusses the need to decolonize mainstream counseling practices, predominantly influenced by Eurocentric perspectives, by incorporating non-Western views and experiences. It highlights the importance of recognizing the fluidity of self and identity within diverse social and ecological contexts, particularly in countries like India, where mental health issues are on the rise. The paper critiques the limitations of Western therapeutic approaches in non-Western cultures. It emphasizes the significance of integrating local knowledge systems, such as indigenous healing traditions like the Siri cult, which promotes communal healing and addresses the spiritual dimensions of mental health. It advocates for a holistic approach to therapy that incorporates spiritual elements, encouraging self-transcendence and interconnectedness, and ultimately challenges the individualistic focus of Western psychotherapy. Integrating traditional practices and philosophies, such as Bhakti and mindfulness, is essential for fostering a more inclusive and effective mental health framework. The Author(s) 2025
- Source
- Culture and Psychology;Volume;32;Issue;2;pp.404-425
- Date
- 01-01-2026
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications Ltd
- Subject
- Bhakti (devotion); community healing; counseling; cultural diversity; decolonization; India; Siri Jatra; spirituality
- Coverage
- Misra G., Sr Sri University, Cuttack, India; Gopal B., B. R. Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; Misra I., Department of Psychology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India; Thomas T.M., Department of Psychology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India, CHRIST (Deemed-to-be- University), Bangalore, India; Gala J., The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Baroda, India; Bedi R.P., The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Rights
- Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
- Relation
- ISSN: 1354067X;
- Format
- online
- Language
- English
- Type
- Article
Collection
Citation
Misra, Girishwar; Gopal, Baiju; Misra, Indiwar; Thomas, Tissy Mariam; Gala, Jigisha; Bedi, Robinder P., “Decolonizing Counselling: Integrating Non-Western Perspectives in Mental Health Intervention,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 17, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/23170.