Integrating Traditional Religio-Cultural Healing into Counselling and Psychotherapy with Punjabi Sikh Clients in North America

Abstract

Because available counselling and psychotherapy sevices in India and abroad are predominantly based on Western approaches with little to no incorporation of Eastern philosophies, Indian cultural customs, and religious traditions, counselling and psychotherapy are not usually seen as a culturally consistent optino for many Punjabi Sikhs, especially those born in India. What is most needed to increase fit and effectiveness is cultural and religious adaptation - a more flexible approach that allows for the integration of Sikh and Punjabi healing understandings and resources into counselling and psychotherapy. Without critical appreciation of religio-cultural influences, mental health professionals risk imposing Eurocentric principles to cirucumstances in which they are not appropriate, which can result in making culturally disrespectful demands and coutnering traditional systems for healing. In addition, to neglect these indigenous assets that emerge out of Punjabi and Sikh thought is to overlook important and timetested healing resources. This article seeks to provide mental health professionals with a collection of theoretical models and tangible strategies and interventions proposed to be more congruent to the traditional Punjabi Sikh worldview. It will be useful for mental health professionals with limited experience with Punjabi Sikhs, clinical supervisors overseeing trainees providing mental health services to Punjabi Sikhs, instructors teaching cross/multi-cultural counselling/pscyhotherapy classes, and those wishing to develop theories or models for providing counselling and psychotherapy services to this population.