Returning to Kinship: Indigenous Wisdom, Matriarchy, and Belonging with Monique Castro

In this episode, Darshana is joined by Monique Castro, a licensed marriage and family therapist of Navajo and Mexican descent, and the founder and CEO of Indigenous Circle of Wellness. Together, they explore Indigenous worldviews of healing, kinship, matriarchy, and belonging, and what it means to return to relational ways of living in a culture shaped by individualism and disconnection.This conversation moves through lived experience, lineage, culture, and professional practice, offering a grounded and expansive look at healing as something that happens in relationship, across generations, and in connection with land.In this episode, we explore:What it means to return to Indigenous ways of healingKinship as a worldview rooted in interconnection with people, land, and more-than-human beingsCollectivist approaches to wellness versus Western individualismGrowing up in a matriarchal and matrilineal Navajo householdWisdom as leadership rather than domination or controlHow matriarchy shapes decision-making, family structure, and community careTwo-Spirit identity as sacred within Indigenous traditionsThe role of Two-Spirit elders in family and community lifeGender beyond binary frameworksCollege, dating, and leadership culture shock for women raised in matriarchal homesThe impact of colonization, relocation, and church systems on Indigenous identityReconnecting to spirituality outside of religious harmHealing as remembrance rather than fixingCreating belonging and chosen familyLand as a living source of wisdom and reconnectionAbout Monique:Monique Castro, LMFT (Navajo/Mexican) is the Founder & CEO of Indigenous Circle of Wellness, a thriving multi-site private psychotherapy and wellness practice serving communities across Southern California and virtually statewide. Rooted in culture and community, Indigenous Circle of Wellness centers the healing of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color through therapy, wellness circles, and leadership development.Connect with Monique:Website: https://www.icowellness.com/Instagram: @indigenouscircleofwellness | @moniquecastro.coachConnect with Darshana:Darshana has supported thousands of people across the world to claim their Erotic Wholeness. Whether you begin with a self paced journey taken from the comfort of your own home or work with her directly for the transformational experience of a lifetime, your path to the pleasure, power and purpose you’re truly made for is just a step away!Learn more:DarshanaAvila.com/offeringsDarshanaAvila.com/communityYouTube.com/@darshana_avila