Beyond Western Psychology: Decolonizing Mental Health Through Testimony Therapy with Dr. Makungu Akinyela (313)

Testimony is more than telling your story—it’s reclaiming the power to heal

Psychologist, scholar, and activist Dr. Makungu Akinyela explores Testimony Therapy, an African-centered approach that emphasizes storytelling, cultural identity, ancestral wisdom, and community connection. Alongside co-host Sue Marriott, they examine how colonialism and systemic oppression shape mental health, the power of oral traditions in healing, and why meaningful change requires moving beyond individual treatment toward collective healing and liberation.

“The story is not just one person’s story. It’s a shared story.” – Dr. Makungu Akinyela

Time Stamps for Beyond Western Psychology: Decolonizing Mental Health Through Testimony Therapy with Dr. Makungu Akinyela (313)

01:09 Dr. Akinyela’s background and activism 02:22 The influence of Western psychology and decolonial thought 03:56 Fanon, Du Bois, and the roots of testimony therapy 10:32 Testimony therapy and the question of cultural narratives 13:40 Double consciousness and the experience of Blackness 17:58 Colorism, internalized racism, and social trauma 21:28 Fanon’s zone of non-being and political realities 28:10 African-centered worldview and community healing 34:04 Orality, storytelling, and the power of testimony 42:53 Signification, rhythm, and body in oral traditions 48:41 Cultural practices and healing modalities 58:13 Decentering the therapist and collaborative healing 01:02:03 Global resistance and decolonial mental health movements

About our Guest – Dr. Makungu M. Akinyela 

Dr. Makungu M. Akinyela (Mah-koon-goo Ah-keen-yay-Lah) is a leading authority on cultural democracy, narrative practice, anti-racist resistance, and mental health. He is a licensed psychotherapist practicing in Atlanta, Georgia, and an Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Georgia State University. He is the creator of the African-centered approach to narrative practice called testimony therapy and the author of the book Testimony Therapy: Decolonizing Mental Health for Black Therapists and Clients, published by W.W. Norton. He is also the author of the book Culture, Politics, Spirituality and Practice: A book of resistance and critical theory for disturbing times, published by Dulwich Publications. As a scholar activist and a therapist. Dr. Akinyela is a lifelong committed social justice organizer with a focus on struggles for human rights and justice for Black people in the United States and the African diaspora. His research and writing include such subjects as cultural democracy and mental health care; cultural domination and therapeutic resistance; reparations and the role of mental health workers in repairing oppressive wounds; and African-centered family therapy. He is a Clinical Fellow and an Approved Supervisor of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Resources for Beyond Western Psychology: Decolonizing Mental Health Through Testimony Therapy with Dr. Makungu Akinyela (313)

Testimony Therapy: Decolonizing Mental Health for Black Therapists and Clients – Get your copy of Dr. Akinyela’s book