Psychosocial distress of Tibetans in exile: integrating western interventions with traditional beliefs and practice

According to the users and providers interviewed, the current project has developed an important and beneficial psychosocial support service. However, the continuing debate amongst community leaders regarding the place and future of the project suggests the importance of accommodating the views and priorities of all local stakeholders-and focusing on sustainability and capacity building of relevant community members-from the outset of such projects. This includes acknowledging the perceived threat to traditional beliefs and coping strategies-particularly in the context of wider socio-cultural disruption-posed by initiatives seeking to integrate western intervention approaches with local healing resources.