First Nations / Indigenous

Trauma Experienced by First Nations / Indigenous People
Indigenous people are often traumatised in ways that others are not. This includes systemic racism, discrimination, and historical trauma — the long-term effects of colonialism and cultural genocide. Many residential school survivors struggle with symptoms caused by trauma, complex trauma, and intergenerational trauma.

Since 1995 I have worked with First Nations people on and off reserve. My experience includes:

receiving teachings from Cree and Sto:lo First Nation elders and cultural workers
supporting healing circles as the participating clinician
supporting children and youth and participating in prayer / sharing circles
co-facilitating a healing circle for youth experiencing grief and loss

Since 2013, I have provided clinical counselling to First Nations adults, adolescents, and children through Chilliwack Child and Youth Mental Health, Cares Counselling, and Ann Davis Transition Society.

In my private practice, I continue providing psychotherapy to First Nations’ youth and adults.

My clinical expertise is in the area of trauma-informed therapy — supporting those experiencing symptoms of PTSD and Complex PTSD.

Treatment focuses on holistic support with a strength-based and collaborative approach that identifies the strengths of the individual and their community. I help the client develop a balance of their mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

I integrate Dr. Martin Brokenleg’s model of the Circle of Courage into my practice. This medicine wheel model is a holistic way of helping individuals to develop a sense of personal balance. The Circle of Courage is a proven evidence-based model for supporting at-risk youth and provides a strong framework in:

Sense of Belonging / Attachment
Sense of Mastery / Achievement
Sense of Generosity / Altruism
Sense of Independence / Autonomy

My goal is to encourage clients to take pride in their identity and heritage. I assist them in identifying their strengths that support positive change and healing.

I facilitate Reclaiming Connections parent groups and provide clinical counselling support at healing circles.

My formal training / development in this area includes:

Cultural awareness training in Grand Prairie, Alberta
Reclaiming Youth at Risk workshop by Dr. Martin Brokenleg
First Nations Historical Impact Training Series – Sto:lo First Nation
San’yas Indifenous Cultural Safety Training Core Mental Health (Provincial Health Services Authority — PHSA)

Funding

I am registered with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).
Funding for residential school survivors or those suffering from historical trauma is available. Please contact me for details.