Decolonising Our Mental Health Practices: Use of Culture-centred Theory

In this course, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, Ph.D., CRESTSprogram, LLC, highlights the inherent bias in mental health training, in that it overwhelmingly is formulated on the basis of Eurocentric/Western norms, which perpetuate structural racism and may be inappropriate for marginalised non-Western or diverse client populations. Citing examples of old research bearing obvious racist biases, Dr. West-Olatunji reminds viewers that decolonised assessment and goal-setting is more achievable using culture-centred theories and goal-setting processes. Giving an overview of Afrocentric theories, she details numerous African-centred interventions and offers insights into culture-centred assessments and social justice counselling skills.