Bridging the Divide between Clinical and Cultural- Indigenous Awareness Training
Abstract
Bridging the Divide is a workshop that allow for a deeper understanding of how to work in two worlds. In working with Indigenous people, it is important to see through the two eyed perspective and put both worldviews into practice.
This workshop explores key concepts related to holistic health, intergenerational trauma, and decolonizing trauma through bridging the Indigenous perspectives and clinical models. The Two-Eyed Seeing, a framework developed by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall, emphasizes integrating both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems, addressing personal biases and perspectives, and highlighting the importance of being an ally through the Tree Story teachings. It also stresses cultural commitment, safety, respect, competence, and humility in mental health practice.
Holistic Health is defined through the Wheel of Wellness, which integrates clinical models and Indigenous perspectives. Notable researchers such as Bruce Perry, Michael Yellowbird, Maslow, and Erikson provide valuable frameworks that interweave into the wellness wheel, offering a comprehensive approach to mental and emotional well-being.
Intergenerational Trauma is defined as the transmission of trauma across generations, with an emphasis on healing within the Wheel’s parts and directions. Body-based healing modalities like Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, and EMDR offer support in addressing trauma and promoting wholistic healing. Decolonizing Trauma involves land-based healing practices, a circle approach to therapy, and family systems and relational healing. By decolonizing the brain and body, this approach restores individual and collective well-being, acknowledging the cultural and historical dimensions of trauma and recovery.
Intended Audience
The intended audience for this work includes individuals who are interested in understanding and exploring intergenerational healing practices. This is particularly relevant for those who work with Indigenous people and communities, or those looking to gain deeper insights into the historical and cultural contexts that shape the well-being of these groups. The goal is to foster a greater understanding of how trauma is passed down through generations and how culturally relevant healing methods, rooted in Indigenous traditions, can be applied in modern therapeutic practices.
Proposed Schedule
8am – noon
Learning Objectives
Two Eyed Seeing –
- Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshal
- Personal Biases, and perspectives and how this relates to the work we do.
- The Tree Story and the teachings of being an Ally
- Cultural Commitment, Cultural Safety, Cultural Respect, Cultural Competence and Cultural humility.
Holistic Health –
- Definition of Holistic Health and Wheel of Wellness
- Wheel Integration of Clinical Models and Indigenous perspectives
- Researchers: Bruce Perry, Micheal Yellowbird, Maslow and Ericksons Models interweave into the wellness wheel
Red Line –
- How to restore the past and why it is important
- Healthy Tribal systems of healing
- Connection to Ancestors and the Medicines
Intergenerational Trauma –
- Definition of Intergenerational Trauma and the Emphasis on Intergenerational Healing
- Trauma in the Parts of the Wheel, the Different Directions, and Developmental Milestones
- Clinical Models that Embody Holistic Healing with a Focus on Body-Based Healing
- Therapeutic Modalities Supporting Wholistic Healing, such as Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Attachment, Polyvagal Theory, and EMDR.
Decolonizing Trauma –
- Land based healing
- Circle approach to healing
- Family systems and Relational Healing
- Decolonizing the brain and body
Presenter
Leigh-Anne Sheldon, B.A., M.C.| R.Psych
Mrs. Sheldon Cree name (pihphichow) is a Registered Psychologist from Swan River First Nation with extensive experience in both clinical practice and academia. She has a background in Indigenous Psychology and LifeSpan Development, having taught these subjects at University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills in 2023.
In 2021, Mrs. Sheldon founded Indigenous Psychological Services (IPS), an organization that now boasts a team of 33 practitioners across offices in Edmonton, Calgary, and Enoch Cree Nation. Indigenous Psychological Services is now opening up across Canada. With a career in the mental health field that began in 2003, Mrs. Sheldon has worked extensively in northern communities, supporting Healthy choices for Indigenous families. Her experience includes six years as a clinical supervisor at Night Wind Treatment Center in Edmonton, where she played a pivotal role in creating a treatment program development that incorporates the Wheel for Change, a model honoring Indigenous cultural practices. She was also a clinical lead in The Edmonton Drug Court Treatment Center in 2014.
Mrs. Sheldon is a complex trauma specialist with certifications in several therapeutic modalities, including Somatic Attachment Practitioner, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and EMDR. She is also trained in Polyvagal Theory and Indigenous Focused Oriented Therapy.
Her approach integrates Indigenous trauma-informed techniques, particularly those rooted in the Two Eyed Trauma Wheel, within a clinical setting. She blends cultural practices with evidence-based therapies, creating a holistic healing model that respects Indigenous knowledge systems. Mrs. Sheldon’s work also delves into the impacts of colonization, historical trauma, systemic racism, and oppression. She practices Two-Eyed Seeing, acknowledging the importance of both Indigenous and Western healing approaches and the role of land-based healing in modern therapy.
Mrs. Sheldon’s unique expertise allows her to bridge traditional Indigenous healing practices with contemporary psychological therapies, creating a culturally respectful and effective therapeutic environment for Indigenous clients.
Cancellation and Refunds
Cancellation and refunds may be applied for by email or phone call to the PAA CPDO. Cancellations received fourteen (14) days prior to the Continuing Professional Development activity will receive a full refund of the registration fee, less a $35.00 + GST processing fee. PAA reserves the right to cancel any activity, in which case a full refund of the registration fee will be provided.
Continuing Education Credits
The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) to offer Continuing Education (CE) for psychologists. This workshop is offered for four (4.0) hours of CE Credit. Full attendance at the workshop is required to receive Continuing Education Credits. Partial credit will not be awarded, and late arrivals or early departure will preclude awarding of Continuing Education Credits. PAA maintains responsibility for the program.