Collective and Decolonial Practices in Narrative Approaches: A Duoethnographic Reflection within the Context of Niger

This paper explores what it means for two white Western psychologists, trainers, and researchers to engage in decolonial practice within a training on collective narrative practices conducted with Nigerien mental health providers in May 2023. The analysis is grounded in themes identified by participants through the co-construction of a collective document during the training. Building on these themes, we engage in a dialogic and reflexive examination of our positionalities, focusing on the tensions, contradictions, and power dynamics involved in practising psychology within global inequalities. The findings highlight the limitations of Western psychological frameworks in addressing structural injustice, and the risks of reproducing forms of domination even within efforts aimed at decolonisation. At the same time, the study points to the potential of collective and narrative practices to open spaces for more relational, situated, and decolonial approaches. We argue that this shift is essential, particularly in light of the escalating conflicts and genocides fuelled by colonial and capitalist forces in today’s global context. Furthermore, we acknowledge the limitations of Western psychology in advancing justice for marginalized communities and consider how these insights will shape our future work.