Understanding Culture-Specific Stress

Providing culturally informed strategies for individual and organizational well-being

Did you know?

Factors such as your country of residence, cultural values, personal history, race, gender, and even the language you speak profoundly shape how you experience stress and trauma. These elements not only influence your unique response to adversity but can also determine the likelihood and extent to which you encounter mental health challenges—or whether you experience them at all! Understanding these nuances is crucial to providing effective, compassionate care that truly addresses individual needs.

At the heart of my consulting practice is a deep commitment to understanding the unique cultural contexts of my clients. I believe that effective solutions for stress and trauma must be tailored to the specific needs of each organization and its community. My approach is collaborative and empathetic, fostering open dialogue to uncover underlying issues. Together, we’ll explore evidence-based strategies that not only address immediate challenges but also promote long-term resilience and well-being. My goal is to empower organizations to create supportive environments that honor diverse experiences and cultivate a culture of care and understanding.

Hi! I’m passionate about co-creating mental health services and programs that respect and reflect the unique cultural norms and experiences of your organization and the people in it. I believe in empowering organizations and businesses to foster healing environments, informed by a deeper understanding of stress, trauma, and resiliency. With over a decade of experience as a global justice advocate, I have focused on international counter-trafficking and reintegration, always prioritizing justice and healing. As a researcher and public academic, I’m dedicated to advancing knowledge in stress and trauma through rigorous research methods, helping to inform culturally sensitive practices in both for-profit and non-profit spheres. I’m excited to connect and explore how we can work together!

Work With Me

  • I offer custom consulting that combines culture-specific insights with trauma-informed care to meet each client's unique needs. By assessing cultural dynamics and trauma's impact, I offer unique strategies and training to foster safe, inclusive environments, helping individuals, businesses, and non-profits enhance both personal and organizational effectiveness and well-being.

  • Tailored to the distinct needs of individuals, businesses and non-profits, I create workshops that integrate culture-specific insights with trauma-informed care practices. Every workshop is crafted to address your organization’s specific goals, ensuring lasting growth and resilience.

  • I am available for a variety of speaking engagements, from keynote presentations at conferences to guest appearances on podcasts. Whether addressing large groups or intimate discussions, my goal is to inspire and equip participants with the knowledge to create positive change within their organizations.

What People Are Saying

FBA Member
Freedom Business Alliance Forum

“Understanding Trauma Through A Cultural Lens [Workshop] should be mandatory for everyone and one of the main hall events based on the relevance and excellence in the way it was presented.”

Danielle Snyder
Mission To El Salvador

“Dr. Courtney Skiera-Vaughn not only has research to share but also years of lived experience around the intersection of culture and trauma. Her insights into the unique role that cultural differences play in the way that survivors of trauma process their experiences and learn to heal have proven invaluable to our organization.”

Tanya Martineau
Hojeok Project

“Dr. Courtney Skiera-Vaughn has been an incredible asset to the Hojeok Project. Her deep understanding of cultural identity and trauma, combined with her thoughtful approach to sensitive stories, has greatly enriched our work. Her expertise has not only guided our research but has also helped me personally as I explore meaning making with my cultural identity and my mother’s adoption story.”

Resources for Stress & Trauma

I am currently in the process of creating and compiling valuable resources to help individuals and organizations get started on their journey toward culture-specific trauma-informed care. These tools will offer practical guidance for fostering more inclusive, supportive environments. In the meantime, feel free to keep an eye on this page for updates or follow me on social media to stay informed about new releases and helpful insights!