Dr Mark Standing Eagle Baez
Comes to Australia
AIPA is proud to bring internationally renowned psychologist Dr Mark Standing Eagle Baez to Australia for an exclusive series of events across Perth and Sydney this July.
About the Sweetgrass Method
The Sweetgrass Method is a culturally grounded, relational framework for mental health practice that centres connection, culture, and community. Moving beyond individual-focused clinical models, it understands mental health as fundamentally rooted in relationships — with family, community, land, and spirit.
Rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural humility, and the principle of relationality, this approach challenges dominant clinical paradigms and offers practitioners a framework for delivering care that is culturally safe, accountable, and grounded in respect, reciprocity, and responsibility.
The Sweetgrass Method helps practitioners explore how colonisation, intergenerational trauma, and systemic inequity continue to shape Indigenous mental health — and how meaningful care requires approaches that honour these lived realities.
The method is designed for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous practitioners working with Indigenous clients, expanding traditional practice by integrating relational, contextual, and community-based approaches to care.
Tour Events
Dr Baez will be visiting two cities as part of this Australian tour:
AIPA’s Perth events are delivered in partnership with the Centre for Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) and the School of Psychology at the University of Western Australia.
In partnership with CBPATSISP & UWAAIPA’s Sydney program features two ticketed events — a professional development workshop and a gala dinner — held at the iconic Sydney Masonic Centre.
Sydney Masonic CentreSydney Program
AIPA’s Sydney program on Friday 17 July features two events you won’t want to miss:
Relational Mental Health Practice: The Sweetgrass Method
A two-hour professional development workshop for psychologists and practitioners with an interest in Indigenous mental health, suicide prevention, and social and emotional wellbeing. Earn 2 CPD hours.
From $199 · discounts available
AIPA Dinner with Dr Mark Standing Eagle Baez
Join us for a special gala dinner with Dr Baez as our keynote speaker. A unique opportunity to connect with colleagues, celebrate culture, and hear Dr Baez speak in an intimate evening setting. Includes a 3-course dinner with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
From $109 · discounts available
Book Your Tickets
Sydney events are ticketed and places are strictly limited — we encourage early booking to avoid missing out.
| Event | Full Price |
|---|---|
| Workshop — Relational Mental Health Practice: The Sweetgrass Method | $199 |
| Gala Dinner with Dr Baez (3-course dinner, wine, beer & non-alcoholic drinks) | $109 |
Discounts are available for:
- Members of psychology associations (including APS members)
- Students
- Practitioners working in Indigenous community controlled organisations
- Indigenous practitioners
Free tickets available: A limited number of complimentary tickets to both Sydney events are available for AIPA members, AIPA associate members, and Indigenous students. To apply, contact AIPA at [email protected] — places are very limited, so get in touch early.
About Dr Mark Standing Eagle Baez
Dr Mark Standing Eagle Baez is a citizen of the Coahuiltecan Tribe with Mohawk, Pawnee, and Mexican heritage. He is a psychologist, President of the Society of Indian Psychologists, and Associate Professor of Clinical and Counseling Psychology. As a generalist psychologist, Dr Baez addresses a broad range of emotional, behavioural, and relational issues by integrating Western therapeutic models with Indigenous practices — creating a holistic, culturally attuned approach to mental health.
With more than 18 years of experience in mental health and wellness — particularly in Indigenous communities — Dr Baez views Western psychology as one of many lenses for understanding mental health. He advocates strongly for the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems and healing traditions to meet the needs of historically marginalised populations, with a focus on culturally responsive assessment and diagnosis and a holistic, strengths-based approach that harmonises Western methodologies with Indigenous wisdom.
Recognised as an innovator in the field, Dr Baez developed the Sweetgrass Method — a culturally grounded framework weaving Western evidence-based practices with Indigenous practice-based knowledge. He also led the development of the Indigenous S.A.F.E. (ISS) Screening Tool, a pioneering suicide prevention instrument designed specifically for Indigenous communities, with a pilot study commencing in 2026 in partnership with Tribal leaders and regional agencies. Dr Baez co-directs the Indigenous Students in Psychology Training (InPsyT) program and mentors Native students through the Society of Indian Psychologists.
A published author and frequent national and international speaker, Dr Baez is committed to advancing health equity, expanding Indigenous representation, and promoting culturally responsive mental health care across Indian Country. His visit to Australia is a rare opportunity for the Australian mental health workforce to engage directly with his practice, scholarship, and vision.
For general event enquiries, visit www.aipa.asn.au. For ticketing enquiries or to request free tickets, contact AIPA at [email protected].