Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Faculty Publications Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource R., Aswathi P.; Rani, Akanksha Title A name given to the resource Beyond trauma: a culturally grounded call for mindfulness and expressive arts in the mental health response to intimate partner violence among tribal women in India Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01-01-2025 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Mental Health and Social Inclusion; Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context <a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-06-2025-0179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-06-2025-0179</a> <br /><br /><a href="https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105022408575?origin=resultslist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105022408575?origin=resultslist</a> Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant R. A.P., Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Rani A., Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bengaluru, India Description An account of the resource Purpose This commentary aims to explore the urgent need for culturally grounded mental health interventions for tribal women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in India. It advocates for the integration of mindfulness-based expressive art therapy (MBAT) as a culturally relevant, trauma-informed approach to healing that aligns with indigenous epistemologies and traditional modes of expression. Design/methodology/approach Using insights from a scoping review of existing literature on mindfulness and expressive art therapies for IPV survivors, this paper critically evaluates the limitations of Western therapeutic models in tribal contexts. It synthesizes theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence and cultural considerations to propose a decolonial model of healing centered on community, nonverbal expression and ancestral wisdom. Findings Mindfulness and expressive art therapies demonstrate efficacy in enhancing emotional regulation, reducing trauma symptoms and fostering resilience among IPV survivors. However, existing interventions often lack cultural adaptation and ignore the sociohistorical realities of tribal communities. This paper finds that when these therapeutic modalities are tailored to tribal worldviews through symbolic imagery, indigenous art forms and collective healing practices they become powerful tools for trauma recovery and identity restoration. Practical implications This commentary offers clear implications for practice, including culturally responsive therapist training, community-based MBAT delivery and participatory program design. It urges policymakers to incorporate MBAT into district-level public health initiatives and calls for further research on culturally adapted interventions in tribal settings. Originality/value This work contributes original insights by reframing MBAT not as an alternative therapy but as a culturally and spiritually congruent first-line approach for tribal IPV survivors. It bridges gaps in both theory and practice by integrating decolonial perspectives, arts-based methodologies and indigenous knowledge systems into mental health discourse. 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited Subject The topic of the resource Decolonizing therapy; Expressive art therapy; Indigenous healing; Intimate partner violence; Mindfulness; Trauma-informed care; Tribal women Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Emerald Publishing Relation A related resource ISSN: 20428308; Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Notes Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource online