Lindsay Birchall September 21st, 2014

EDPS 602: Counselling Theories and Professional Practice: Reflective Journal,

Ch.2 Truscott
Because I was able to discuss answers to this reflection in the class DB,
from my personal view, I have decided to write my reflection solely from my
alternative voice.
When I was 5 years, 10 months old, an RCMP officer took me from my
home and drove me to Birtle Residential school in Manitoba. I didnt see my
mother for 5 years from that day.
Residential schools attempted to assimilate all Native children into
mainstream European culture, which has been viewed by some as
Ethnocide (wherearethechildren.ca). I have heard from others in my
community that we have residential school syndrome (Brassfield, 2001). It
is like PTSD with other problems like depression and attachment difficulties,
as a result of the physical, sexual and emotional abuse that we experienced
and witnessed in the schools. I am afraid that I may have passed some of
my struggles on to my daughter, who is having difficulties with depression
and substance abuse. I am currently caring for my granddaughter and am
afraid that my family and I may be experiencing Intergenerational Trauma
(Menzies, 2014). Sadly, we are a whole society affected by isolation, anger,
sadness, hopelessness and pain (wherearethechildren.ca).
I would like to have help with some of my symptoms but, the only
counsellor in my community is my relative. Sometimes another therapist
from Vancouver visits our village, but I am unsure if I would be able to trust
him because he is not Native American. I would like to find a counsellor who
has a good understanding of my aboriginal identity, culture and community.
Ideally, someone who could assist me in healing through traditions and
cultural empowerment, who understands my Soul Wound, would be best
(Menzies, 2014).
I have read that psychotherapists examine your dreams and
unconscious thoughts to develop your insight into past and present
behaviours. This type of therapy is based in Freudian theory, which has
different values and beliefs from my culture. But, my uncle said that if the
therapist had experience, knowledge and respect for my culture and
traditions, psychotherapy may be something that I would try as part of a
number of interventions. In Native American culture, Spirituality (the
connection between spirituality and nature), Holism (the interconnection
between the physical and spiritual world and between the person and the
environment) and Collectivism (including my immediate and extended
family, clan-system and community) are necessary elements in the haling
process. Psychotherapy is focused on individual change, and does not
include elements of spirituality or the community, so I question its
effectiveness (Menzies, 2014).

Lindsay Birchall September 21st, 2014

EDPS 602: Counselling Theories and Professional Practice: Reflective Journal,
Ch.2 Truscott
We heal as a community through sharing experiences, the provision of
hope, collective mourning and social support (Menzies, 2014). My uncle has
told me that traditional Nanabush stories, Community Mapping, Sweat
Lodges, and speaking with elders are things that he uses to help his clients
heal (Brassfield, 2001; Menzies, 2014; Wherearethechildren.ca). When these
traditional healing activities (e.g. healing/talking circles, legacy education,
ceremonies) are combined with psychotherapy, these interventions can be
very helpful for many Native people (Menzies, 2014). But I dont know if I am
ready for that yet.
References
Brassfield, C. (2001). Residential School Syndrome, BC Medical Journal, 43:2,
78-81
Menzies, P. M. (2014). Psychotherapy and Traditional Intervention Strategies:
Being an Effective Helper, Four Directions Therapeutic and Consulting
Services, Annual Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Conference, Retrieved from: http://www.ccpaaccp.ca/conference/Presentations_2014/PeterMenzies.pdf
Wherearethechildren.ca