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

Conference: 2025 iaedp™ Foundation Symposium
Mark Baez Presenter

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.

 

02/21/2025: 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
Keynote 
JW Marriott Palm Desert 
Published Room: Sinatra 8 
CE/CME:

Brief Session Overview

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and First Nations People face many obstacles, inequalities, and discrimination when it comes to mental health services. Growing significance among practitioners in integrating best practices to promote well-being can revive a social view of health promotion among AI/AN and First Nations clients. The integration of Indigenous methodologies and Western approaches will be enhanced for AI/AN and First Nations clients when the objective of mental health incorporates indigenous methods and the goal of practical Western approaches for the clients. However, success may depend on how practitioners define culturally responsive (CR) applications and conceptualize ways to promote them. The Sweetgrass Method (SGM) looks at the best Western evidence-based practices and the best Indigenous practice-based evidence for the clients serviced. The SGM provides a CR framework for addressing mental and behavioral health concerns for Indigenous people. Practitioners can

Learning Objectives

Identify components that create division and barriers in treatment.

Apply culturally responsive questioning to gain knowledge about clients.

Explain the importance of keeping cultural humility a part of on-going treatment.