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Psychotherapy with American Indians



Author(s)

Ole J. Thienhaus

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DOI:10.17265/2159-5313/2017.07.005

American Indians are a substantial minority in both the United States and Canada and present with a disproportionate share of mental health and behavioral health problems. While a large proportion of the native population resides on reservations that are self-managed and have few non-Indian residents, professional health services are mostly provided by clinicians from the dominant culture. The essay tries to highlight specific historical, sociological, and cultural variables the clinician must be aware of to work effectively in this setting. Particular emphasis is placed on using a flexible, eclectic approach, and a case vignette is included to illustrate the principle.

Native American culture, dominant culture, historical trauma, eclecticism, therapeutic flexibility