First Nations Mindfulness and More: Plains Peoples Way of Thinking and Being
Course: First Nations Mindfulness and More: Plains Peoples Way of Thinking and Being
Instructor: Sandra Paulsen, Ph.D.. and Shelley Spear Chief, LCSW, MSWC
Approved for 4 Hours of CE Credit
Fulfills License and EMDR Requirements
High Resolution Video
Goals
The purpose of this interview is to provide clinicians with an alternative way of thinking about the psychological concept of “mindfulness,” from a First Nations/Native American understanding. This emphasis on cultural diversity will also enhance the therapist’s capacity to work with Native clients by giving a rare glimpse into another way of living, thinking and being. By showing a healthy way of being within Plains Native cultural understanding, it will help to counteract some of the racial stereotypes and lack of information rife in some communities.
In Part I, with the Blackfoot language as exemplar of traditional Plains Peoples’ thinking (and beyond), the workshop honors the old ways by using words and concepts that evoke understanding beyond their denotative value.
In Part II, Spear Chief and Paulsen discuss the phases of EMDR Therapy as they are affected by the cultural concepts and differences. The workshop also addresses blunders therapists make working with Native clients. Because the interviews, Parts I and II, were relatively free wheeling in Native conversational style, the participant may find the included handout helpful to organize their thoughts in preparation for the quiz. Attendees will not be quizzed on the Blackfoot words used in the training, but on the concepts.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define four values central to the Blackfoot way of life.
- List three traditional practices that facilitate the practice of mindfulness from a Plains point of view.
- Enumerate three common blunders dominant culture therapists often make working with Native clients.
- Name three types of historical trauma common to Native American/First Nations clients.
- Discuss the phases of EMDR Therapy as they are affected by Plains cultural concepts and differences.