LibraryScenariosWhen indigenous spiritual experiences conflict with Western mental health frameworks
Scenario

When indigenous spiritual experiences conflict with Western mental health frameworks

My therapist keeps trying to diagnose me but in my culture what she calls 'hearing voices' is actually receiving guidance from the spirits, and I don't know how to make her understand without sounding crazy.

Rumi
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

The pathologizing of traditional spiritual experiences creates a crisis of identity and belonging between two worldviews.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Indigenous spiritualities — South America?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.