Decolonizing Adolescent Interventions: From Marginalization to Liberation

Decolonization as applied to mental health has emerged as a framework intended to correct or undo the harmful impacts of colonizing norms and practices embedded within the field. Current mental health conceptualizations and interventions in adolescent counseling can inadvertently cause greater harm than benefit, particularly for youth from minoritized backgrounds. We explore the intersection of adolescent trauma, colonial and neocolonial norms and practices, and interventions as applied with a decolonial lens. Applying a decolonizing framework to three illustrative cases involving mid-adolescent youth, we offer guidance for delivering more client-centered, affirming, and liberatory support.