Therapists’ perspectives on culture and trauma in India

Mental health awareness in India has been steadily increasing; however, mental health literacy and treatment is still lagging. India hosts the largest population dealing with mental health struggles in the world. India has been identified as a country prone to traumatic events. However, little research study exists about this group’s mental health. The purpose of the qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis study was to explore and understand the role that Indian culture plays in the experience of past trauma. The present study focused on the account of Indian therapists’ understanding of their clients’ trauma and cultural betrayal trauma theory was used to understand the phenomenon of cultural trauma within the participants clients’ experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from 11 Indian therapists. The ongoing tension between collectivistic values and the emerging desire for individualism emerged as a result. The pressure to conform to societal norms, especially regarding relationships and marriage, affects mental wellbeing. The study pinpoints various obstacles hindering access to psychological help, from the normalisation of trauma to unequal gender dynamics and patriarchy. This study underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of trauma’s pervasive effects.