Integrating Professional and Indigenous Therapies

Abstract

The authors present a narrative case study of an urban American Indian male college student who integrated Indigenous and professional therapies during an acute period of stress, loss, and depression. As the first published case of an American Indian in an urban context, this article expands on previous clinical cases by focusing on the client’s perspective relative to his own conceptions of help-seeking behaviors. Based on qualitative analysis of five audio-recorded interviews, this case utilizes an innovative methodology to portray four approaches to healing (medication, counseling, bonding, and spirituality) that contribute to holistic well-being. Implications for counseling psychologists include being aware of how some American Indian clients may (a) view professional treatment dynamics through a Native cultural lens (e.g., seeing ideal communication as a “rhythm”), (b) utilize an expanded range of therapeutic agents, (c) resist medication for cultural and spiritual reasons, and (d) refrain from discussing spiritual matters with professionals.