Decolonising Our Counselling Practice by Utilising the Strengths of Cultural Teachings, Community, and Spirituality

In this course, Dr. Julie Smith-Yliniemi (PhD, LPCC, NCC; Assistant Professor and Director of Community Engagement for the Indigenous Trauma and Resilience Research Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota) outlines the consequences of historical trauma and describes numerous indigenous cultural practices which can help mainstream counsellors decolonise their counselling practices. The symbolism and importance of smudging, singing/drumming, cedar-bath ceremonies, sweat lodge ceremonies, dancing, and full moon and naming ceremonies are all explained. Strategies for cultural immersion of counsellors and counsellor-educators are offered.