Healing Through Diversity: Addressing Collective Trauma with Culturally Grounded Therapies
Collective trauma can have far-reaching effects on communities, leaving individuals grappling with grief, anxiety, and emotional distress. As the understanding that “everyone processes grief and trauma differently” proliferates, mental health therapies must likewise evolve. Acknowledging this need for diversity in therapeutic approaches, organizations like Ka‘ehu in Wailuku, Maui, are redefining mental health services through an indigenous lens, focusing on holistic healing methods that resonate deeply with the community’s cultural background.
The Role of Indigenous Perspectives in Mental Health
Indigenous perspectives on mental health emphasize the connection between individuals and their environment. Keolamau Tengan, the executive director of Ka‘ehu, underscores this in their Mālama ‘Ohana program. “We offer an ‘āina (land) or kai (ocean) based program to get the body moving and acting in service and connection to nature,” Tengan explains. This innovative approach incorporates various Hawaiian cultural activities, such as lei making and lauhala weaving, that invite participants to engage physically and mentally. Such activities not only promote creativity but also serve as a grounding mechanism, enabling participants to reflect on their emotions in a supportive environment.
A Community-Centered Mental Health Response
The initiatives of Ka‘ehu are supported by the Maui Strong Fund, a program of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) that aims to address mental health across Maui post-tragedy. HCF adopts a culturally informed and holistic approach to mental health, aligning with the principles of trauma-informed care that focus on safety, trust, and empowerment. The directive from Governor Josh Green, proclaiming Hawai‘i as a trauma-informed state, signifies a broader commitment to integrating mental health support within the community fabric.
Kehau Meyer, HCF’s senior program officer for Maui Recovery Efforts, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in mental health support. “We listened to our organizations doing work on the ground and understood that Maui needed certain resources that were comforting and familiar,” she notes. This approach ensures that individuals seeking assistance encounter services that not only address their psychological needs but also honor their cultural context.
Innovative Therapeutic Interventions
HCF’s strategy employs a diverse array of therapeutic interventions, bridging community-centered and clinical resources. Weekly meetings involving mental health providers, clinicians, and partners enable a responsive dialogue about the community’s evolving mental health needs. By funding flexible therapeutic dialogue, group grieving activities, and long-term support services, HCF aims to address and mitigate Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder within affected individuals and families.
The foundation’s efforts include contracting clinicians and group practices to provide free therapy sessions for affected individuals. By offering up to ten sessions without the encumbrances of insurance approval or financial barriers, HCF enhances accessibility to mental health care. Michele Navarro Ishiki, director of mental health services at Piha Wellness and Healing, highlights the necessity of understanding the unique needs of Maui’s population: “We really need to understand the needs of Maui and the needs of those serving Maui.”
Individual and Community Resilience
The healing journey for individuals impacted by collective trauma is often complex, yet it can lead to individual and communal resilience. Ka‘ehu’s Mālama ‘Ohana program exemplifies how culturally relevant activities can facilitate emotional expression and connection. By participating in familiar cultural practices, individuals not only navigate their emotions but also strengthen their ties to the community and its shared heritage.
The goal of these programs is not merely to address immediate psychological distress but to cultivate long-term resilience, empowering individuals to thrive in their environment. The incorporation of cultural perspectives offers a restorative path that respects personal history and fosters healing through communal support.
Looking Ahead: Building a Trauma-Informed Future
The innovative approaches undertaken by Ka‘ehu and supported by the Maui Strong Fund illustrate the power of culturally grounded therapies in mental health care. The ongoing collaboration among community organizations, clinicians, and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation sets a promising precedent for future mental health initiatives within the state. As resilience blossoms from shared experiences, the commitment to understanding and supporting those affected by collective trauma remains paramount in Maui and beyond.
For more information on the Maui Strong Fund and its initiatives, you can visit Hawai‘i Community Foundation. Together, through diverse therapeutic practices and community engagement, we can forge a path toward healing and resilience.
