Stories that speak to the power of being seen and heard.
This section uplifts the lived experiences that often go unheard in conversations about mental health. Through video stories and firsthand narratives, you'll hear from individuals reflecting on what care has looked like in their lives—how culture shapes the way we express distress, the role of community in healing, and the transformative power of being seen and understood in care settings.
These voices offer more than testimony—they’re teaching tools. They invite us to listen closely, to challenge assumptions, and to reimagine systems that often fail to reflect the people they serve. Each story here is a reminder that cultural competence isn’t theoretical—it’s deeply personal, and it starts with listening.
Voices that Teach Us
Listen to Annas's Story: From HeadSpace in Australia, Annas shares his story about finding support for mental health in his community. ‘Strength in my roots’ is a digital storytelling series exploring cultural identity and mental health. For more information and support, visit headspace.org.au/cultural-identity.
Listen to her story: Dr. Nicole Rochester and Sasha Tanori discuss barriers to diagnosis and Sasha’s experience as a Mexican American patient in the healthcare system.
In this talk, Dr. Raquel Martin discusses the limitations of traditional cultural competence training and advocates for a more dynamic, humility-based approach. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-reflection in providing effective care to diverse populations. Dr. Martin shares the history of cultural competence, how we have lost the original vision of the concept, and methods to remedy this issue. Because therapy can't be the only safe space, we must improve the human experience. Listen here.
Dr. Etheldreda Nakimuli-Mpungu shares her experience in Uganda, highlighting the necessity of integrating cultural beliefs and practices into mental health interventions. Her work demonstrates how culturally adapted therapies can lead to better outcomes in communities where Western models may not be as effective. Listen here.