Registrants will receive further information for participating via Zoom Webinar for the presentation.

Program Description:  Decolonizing Therapy
Historically, the field of mental health has been shaped primarily by Western and Eurocentric ideologies, influencing what is defined as “normal,” “healthy,” or clinically appropriate. These frameworks have often minimized or marginalized non-Western cultural perspectives and contributed to the stigmatization of mental health within historically marginalized communities. This session examines how colonial histories and Eurocentric assumptions continue to shape psychological assessment and therapeutic practice. Moving beyond cultural competence, the presentation explores decolonization as a clinical and ethical framework that emphasizes power, positionality, and the potential for harm within Western mental health models. Participants will be introduced to practical, culturally informed strategies for assessment and treatment that promote ethical, responsive, and contextually grounded care. 
   
Learning Objectives
By completing this program, participants will able to:
1.  define decolonizing therapy and differentiate it from concepts like multicultural competence and diversity informed practice.
2.  identify some internalized colonial beliefs within themselves and their professional training.
3.  utilize some decolonizing strategies like collaboration, community- centered approach in case conceptualization and treatment planning.
4.  utilize language and interventions that reduce harm and avoid deficit-based narratives.

Presenter Bio: Juliet Aura, Ph.D.
Dr. Aura is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology. She previously served as a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Louisville, where she also worked as Assistant Director of the Cardinal Success Program (CSP), an initiative dedicated to providing mental health services to underserved and underinsured populations in West Louisville. During this time, she completed a year-long leadership training program. Dr. Aura earned both her master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Her professional interests include psychological assessment and the impact of mental health on diverse populations, with a particular focus on culturally responsive and equitable service delivery.

Dr. Juliet Aura

Special Note to Conference Attendees
The Indiana Psychological Association (IPA) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Indiana Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
 
Indiana State Psychology Board and Indiana Behavioral Health Board:

• IPA is an approved provider of Category I continuing education for psychologists.

• IPA is an approved provider of Category I continuing education for LSW, LCSW, LMFT, LMHC, LMFTA, LCAC and LAC.

Licensees must judge the program’s relevance to their professional practice.
 
Please note that APA rules require that credit be given only to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time or leaving early will not receive CE credits. Partial credit cannot be given. We ask that all participants return the post-program evaluation form at the conclusion of the program. Dr. Aura and IPA have not received any commercial support for this program or its contents and will not receive any commercial support prior to or during this program.
 
CE certificates will be distributed via email within two weeks post-event. 
 
Registration Fees
IPA New, Premier, Platinum, Emeritus-Practicing, and Student Members - $0
IPA Basic, Emeritus-Retired Members, and Affiliate Members - $15
Non-Members - Psychologists and Other Professionals $30
*If a non-member Student seeking to attend, please either join IPA (free membership with "sponsorship" by an IPA Academic Member or, if outside the state of Indiana, please contact info@indianapsychology.org.

Registration will close on Thursday, April 9th, 2026.