Exploring Indigenous and Western Therapeutic Integration: Perspectives and Experiences of Indigenous Elders

Download or read book Exploring Indigenous and Western Therapeutic Integration: Perspectives and Experiences of Indigenous Elders written by Teresa Beaulieu and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 434 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this study was to document the perspectives and experiences of five Indigenous Elders on the potential for Indigenous and Western healing paradigms and practices to be integrated in mental health service delivery for Indigenous peoples. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were held with each participant, and a narrative analysis was used to generate research themes and findings. Results indicated that all five Elders perceived a potential for Indigenous and Western approaches and practitioners to work collaboratively together in the future, and Elders reported varying levels of experience with integrated healthcare delivery. However, all five Elders identified numerous issues requiring attention and steps to be taken prior to integrated practice taking place. These included the need to reclaim Indigenous knowledge, an acceptance and respect for Indigenous knowledge and practices by the Western healthcare system, and the need for increased and formalized education related to Indigenous knowledge and healing approaches.