Medicine Wheel and Somatic Integration
Abstract
This presentation explores the intersection of holistic frameworks inspired by the Indigenous Medicine Wheel and somatic practices to offer a science-informed model for healing and personal growth. The Medicine Wheel—widely recognized as a symbol of balance among the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of life—parallels modern integrative health models and biopsychosocial approaches. Rather than teaching traditional Indigenous knowledge, this session focuses on how the wheel’s quadrants align with contemporary neuroscience, trauma research, and mind-body connection. Somatic practices—such as breathwork, mindful movement, and body-based trauma healing—draw from current understandings of nervous system regulation and embodied cognition. By exploring how these two frameworks intersect each other, participants will gain insights into how body awareness, emotional regulation, and reflective practices can restore internal balance and enhance well-being.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the four core domains of holistic health—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—and explain how they align with current scientific models such as the biopsychosocial and neuropsychological frameworks.
- Describe key principles of somatic practice, including body awareness, interoception, and nervous system regulation, and their relevance to trauma-informed healing.
- Draw connections between holistic models of well-being and somatic science, using the Medicine Wheel as a conceptual framework to visualize balance and integration across multiple domains of health.
- Practice simple somatic techniques—such as breathwork, grounding, and mindful movement—that support embodied awareness and self-regulation.
- Discuss the ethical considerations of integrating culturally-rooted symbols like the Medicine Wheel into contemporary wellness and educational contexts, with an emphasis on cultural humility and respect.
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.
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