ABSTRACT
Although theories, models, and paradigms provide insights, the actual methods that are used to help people need to be practitioner-oriented. Cultural Safety and Cultural Competence emphasize that understanding those being served is an essential skill. Unfortunately, many counselors and therapists are uninformed and/or possess ethnocentric views that can undercut their ability to be effective when dealing with certain peoples. Gregory Bateson’s homeostasis model and Rene Girard’s work with mimesis are the methods to deal with cultural loss and alienation. These methods can be used to address psychological dysfunction that springs from change and anomie: a major malady facing indigenous people, ethnic groups, and traditional enclaves. Many other therapeutic methods can be adjusted to serve indigenous, ethnic, and traditional people. Doing so can provide a wealth of techniques for combating the pain, suffering, and dysfunction triggered by outside intrusion, cultural losses, and anomie.
