Exploring the Integration of Traditional Indigenous Healing Practices with Modern Psychological Methodologies

Dr. Mark Standing Eagle Baez, the President-elect of the Society of Indian Psychologists and an associate professor at Bemidji State University, is a licensed psychologist with a small private practice. He holds a PhD in General Psychology and two Masters (Counseling and one in School Psychology). With over 16 years of experience in mental health and wellness and impactful research among Indigenous people across the lifespan, it has inspired significant change in the field of Indigenous mental health. He believes the Western approach is only one perspective on mental health services among Indigenous populations, and the importance of incorporating traditional Indigenous methods is crucial to address the mental health needs of marginalized Indigenous communities effectively. Thus, weaving in Traditional methodologies is vital in working with marginalized populations across Indian Country. He has developed a culturally responsive approach called the ‘Sweetgrass Method,’ which focuses on weaving the best evidence-based practices and the best Indigenous strength-based approaches for the clients served. Dr. Baez has advocated for cultural, strengths-based approaches to Indigenous people and hopes to change community-based approaches among AI/AN peoples by weaving culture, Traditional methods, and Western approaches to improve Indigenous well-being.

Dr. Mark Standing Eagle Baez, the President-elect of the Society of Indian Psychologists and an associate professor at Bemidji State University, is a licensed psychologist with a small private practice. He holds a PhD in General Psychology and two Masters (Counseling and one in School Psychology). With over 16 years of experience in mental health and wellness and impactful research among Indigenous people across the lifespan, it has inspired significant change in the field of Indigenous mental health. He believes the Western approach is only one perspective on mental health services among Indigenous populations, and the importance of incorporating traditional Indigenous methods is crucial to address the mental health needs of marginalized Indigenous communities effectively. Thus, weaving in Traditional methodologies is vital in working with marginalized populations across Indian Country. He has developed a culturally responsive approach called the ‘Sweetgrass Method,’ which focuses on weaving the best evidence-based practices and the best Indigenous strength-based approaches for the clients served. Dr. Baez has advocated for cultural, strengths-based approaches to Indigenous people and hopes to change community-based approaches among AI/AN peoples by weaving culture, Traditional methods, and Western approaches to improve Indigenous well-being.