Indigenous Healing Practices and Mental Health : The Overlap, the Alignment, and the Benefits of Collaboration and Integration

Abstract

This study takes a look at how collaborative interventions from a shamanic medicine perspective, with traditional mental health services, have significant overlaps and alignment in mission and philosophy. We discuss the benefits of utilizing the two in healing soul ailments as well as mental health events such as trauma, poor coping skills, and more. We examine and acknowledge that the field of mental health cannot thrive or grow without expanding our resources and programs to include indigenous healing practices for overall well-being and health.

Presenters

Rebecca Vicente
Clinic Director, Counselor Education, Kean University, New Jersey, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

2026 Special Focus—Indigenous Spiritualities in Global Perspective

KEYWORDS

Healing, Mental Health, Shamanic Medicine, Integration, Indigenous