Cultural Therapy
Mountain Sky Recovery has partnered with Rooted & Restored Collaborative, an Indigenous Mental Health Collaborative, to train staff, implement culturally appropriate programming, and extend access to treatment for Indigenous people.
What is Cultural Therapy?
Cultural therapy is a type of mental health support that respects a person’s cultural background, traditions, and values. It looks at how culture shapes beliefs, identity, family roles, and healing practices.
In cultural therapy, therapists work to understand a person’s heritage, language, spiritual beliefs, and community connections. This helps make treatment feel more personal and meaningful.
For many people, culture plays a major role in how they see mental health, how they cope with stress, and how they seek help. Cultural therapy uses these influences to support healing in a respectful and inclusive way.
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Why Is Cultural Therapy Important?
Cultural therapy is important because mental health experiences are not the same for everyone. Culture can shape how people talk about emotions, deal with trauma, and understand mental illness.
Without cultural awareness, therapy may feel uncomfortable or disconnected. Some people may feel misunderstood if their beliefs or traditions are ignored.
Cultural therapy helps create a safe space where people feel seen, respected, and valued. When treatment honors a person’s cultural identity, it can improve trust and strengthen the therapy process.
How Does Cultural Therapy Work?
Cultural therapy works by combining traditional mental health approaches with an understanding of a person’s cultural identity.
Therapists may explore topics such as:
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Cultural traditions and values
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Family roles and expectations
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Religious or spiritual beliefs
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Experiences with discrimination or stigma
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Community support systems
Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, therapists adjust treatment methods so they align with the client’s background and lived experiences.
This approach can make therapy more comfortable and effective.
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Who Can Benefit From Cultural Therapy?
Many people can benefit from cultural therapy, especially those who feel their cultural background is an important part of their identity.
This may include:
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People from diverse cultural or ethnic communities
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Immigrants or first-generation families
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Indigenous communities
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Individuals balancing multiple cultural identities
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People who have experienced cultural stigma around mental health
Cultural therapy can help individuals explore identity, build resilience, and address challenges linked to cultural expectations or experiences.
What Techniques Are Used in Cultural Therapy?
Cultural therapy may include many traditional therapy techniques, but they are adapted to respect cultural values and beliefs.
Common approaches may include:
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Narrative therapy to explore personal and cultural stories
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Family-focused therapy that honors family roles and traditions
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Community-based healing practices
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Spiritual or faith-informed counseling
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Trauma-informed care that considers cultural experiences
Some therapists may also incorporate cultural rituals, storytelling, or community support as part of the healing process.
How Is Cultural Therapy Different From Traditional Therapy?
Traditional therapy often focuses mainly on individual thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Cultural therapy goes further by looking at the larger cultural context that shapes a person’s life. This includes cultural identity, traditions, social expectations, and community influences.
By recognizing these factors, therapists can provide care that feels more relevant and respectful to each individual’s life experience.
Can Cultural Therapy Be Used With Other Treatments?
Yes. Cultural therapy is often used alongside other mental health treatments.
It may be combined with:
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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
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Trauma therapy
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Group therapy
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Family counseling
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Addiction treatment programs
Adding cultural understanding to these approaches can make treatment more supportive and effective for people from diverse backgrounds.
Brian Frejo
Cultural Director, Rooted & Restored
Brian Frejo, of the Pawnee and Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, is an entrepreneur and nationally recognized leader in culturally rooted healing and leadership development. He serves as the Culture Director of Rooted & Restored Collaborative and currently facilitates cultural groups and individual cultural identity sessions.
As a sweat lodge and earth lodge ceremony leader and southern straight powwow dancer, Brian integrates traditional practices with modern approaches to healing. His work is grounded in cultural connection, leadership development, and strengthening identity through ceremony and community.
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Testimonials
“Mike was my counselor for about 6 months. I came to him broken, sick, and deep in the horrors of addiction. I had completely lost all hope. Mike was the first person to show me kindness and compassion in a long time.
I’ve never felt comfortable opening up to people before, but Mike was able to challenge my beliefs and give me the courage to overcome my fears and break down the walls I had built up over many years of addiction. He took the time to listen to me and allow me to express the issues I was dealing with.
His direct but non-judgmental manner made hard topics easier to address head-on, which I really needed and appreciated. I now have 4 years sober and a life that I never thought was possible and I truly believe I would not be here without the care, patience, and dedication I received from Mike.”
Rebecka
“Since early childhood, the truth was hidden from me. The truth about my family, the truth about the world, the truth about love, and the truth about myself. I’m not sure he knows this, but Mike is the first person who ever told me the truth.
When I wanted to leave, he gave me reasons to stay. When I started to doubt my abilities, he gave me reasons why I shouldn’t. Most importantly, when I started to judge and focus on others, he gave me a mirror. Those are a small fraction of all the examples of some of the truths he told me.
Every year when I take a chip, I break down and cry not only because I am proud to still be clean, but because I’m thankful I let Mike tell me the truth.
I will be grateful for him until the day I leave this Earth, and I imagine I’ll do it clean because Mike gave me the ability to imagine it”
Rebecka
Mike has an amazing ability to relate to his clients and use his own experiences to guide you through whatever obstacle life throws your way. I’ve never felt more supported from any previous counselors or therapists and I highly recommend giving Mike a chance to help you get your life back.
I really never thought I could be sober, or live a fulfilling life and it was Mike that believed in me and walked me through the challenges until I could stand on my own two feet. 4 and a half years later, and he still checks on me periodically and makes me feel supported.
I can’t say enough about how amazing my experience was working with Mike, he truly cares for his clients and has the biggest heart and passion for helping people.”
Julie
Why Choose Mountain Sky Recovery?
Individualized Care
Our compassionate staff works closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals.
Proven Methods
We utilize evidence-based treatments and therapies to ensure the highest level of success for our clients.
Holistic Approach
We incorporate wellness practices and alternative therapies to promote healing in all aspects of our client's lives.
Supportive Community
Our nurturing environment fosters a sense of belonging and support, empowering clients to build lasting connections and recovery networks.