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Douglas Valdez, PhD, is a 2026 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision, Antioch University, Seattle.

Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Committee Chair

Keiko Sano, PhD, Committee Member

Kimberly Hubbard, ND, Committee Member

Keywords

Curanderismo, Traditional Chinese Medicine, mental health, complementary alternative medicine, depression, anxiety

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explore the experiences of practitioners who treat individuals presenting with depression and anxiety using culturally integrative non-Western healing modalities. Participants included 15 experienced practitioners (minimum five years of practice) who identified as Traditional Chinese Medicine providers (e.g., acupuncturists, herbalists) and/or Curandero/x/as. The approach was qualitative, utilizing open-ended survey responses collected electronically and analyzed with thematic analysis. Results indicated six primary themes: (a) Philosophies in Healing, highlighting culturally grounded conceptualizations of depression and anxiety; (b) Traditional Chinese Medicine Interventions, including acupuncture, botanical, nutritional, manual, and movement-based practices; (c) Curanderismo Pláticas and Integrative Western Healing Treatment Modalities, incorporating spirituality, ritual, nature-centered healing, and psychotherapy integration; (d) Benefits and Challenges of Community Support and Healing; (e) Obstacles and Solutions to Working with Non-Western Healing Modalities; and (f) Collaborative Care with Traditional Healing Practitioners. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Douglas Valdez, PhD, 2026

ORCID iD  0009-0006-7699-5851

Dr. Douglas Valdez (El/He/Him) PhD, LMHC, NCC, MA, MS, MBA is a bilingual, relational licensed mental health counselor, National Certified Counselor, counselor educator, Chinese medicine practitioner, and consultant. He holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University, a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the National University of Health Sciences, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University, where he also completed certificates in Sex Therapy, Sex Education, and Multicultural Counseling. In addition, Dr. Valdez has completed advanced training in Curanderismo through the University of New Mexico, with a focus on the global influences of traditional healing practices. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Chinese Medicine at the National University of Health Sciences.

Dr. Valdez’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that counselor education is a transformative and relational process that integrates knowledge, self-awareness, and cultural responsiveness. He views the classroom as a collaborative and reflective space where students are invited to develop both their professional identity and personal authenticity. His approach emphasizes the integration of theory, practice, and ethical foundations, while honoring the diverse lived experiences students bring into the learning environment. Through dialogue, reflection, and experiential learning, Dr. Valdez fosters critical thinking and compassionate clinical practice, drawing from core principles of adult learning and culturally sustaining pedagogy.

Dr. Valdez is the founder and owner of Curativo Health, a private practice dedicated to supporting Latiné and LGBTQIA+ communities. His work centers a decolonized and relational approach to healing, integrating mental health counseling with traditional and holistic practices to honor the interconnectedness of mind, body, culture, and community.

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