More of us today than in past generations talk about having a therapist, or needing one.
For some insights on how psychology, or therapy, is evolving to meet the needs of peoples of Indigenous ancestry, The Squamish Chief reached out to Dr. Natasha Wawrykow.
She is a member of the Skuppah Band, Nlaka’pamux Nation and lives on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen peoples, as well as the land of the Songhees, Esquimalt, and WSÁNEC peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
Dr. Wawrykow is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, with the Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Victoria.
What follows is an edited version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.
Q: I read that you employ narrative therapy. Can you explain what it is?
A: Many people are familiar with the foundational forms of psychology, such as Freudian psychoanalysis or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Narrative therapy is akin to those in that it is one way of analyzing problems that clients are facing that we'll work through.
Narrative therapy is looking at issues, challenges and problems that a client is facing in the context of their story. Who are they? What a therapist does alongside the client is listen to, what is your individual story?
In narrative therapy, we would look at this problem that has developed in response to societal standards, family values, beliefs, and traumatic events, and we would help the client externalize that problem.
We will come up with different strategies in therapy to understand the relationship clients have with this problem, but also give them the skills to manage that problem so that one day, they don't need the therapist anymore.
Q: Why is narrative therapy particularly useful in working with Indigenous clients?
A: With any form of therapy, I would say it's always about the relationship that a client has with a therapist. So, there's no one orientation that I would say is going to work for everyone. It really is about the relationship a client has with a therapist. Is there a good fit between the therapist and the client?
One of the reasons I find narrative therapy to be very beneficial in working with Indigenous people is that many of the Indigenous people in my own family and community, and clients that I have come to work with—through receiving my graduate training and graduating, and now working as a professor—is that Indigenous people have been storytellers, historically, since time immemorial. And so working with story in therapy and understanding how wellness and balance in life are experienced within their story, I just find that it maps on really well for me as a therapist.
I find that weaving different forms of Indigenous pedagogy with narrative therapy seems more congruent than other orientations I've received instruction in.
Q: Historically, Indigenous people lost trust in the medical system through how they were treated in residential and day schools and in Indian Hospitals. From your perspective as a professor who sees many young people, how are you feeling about how things are going in the field of psychology?
A: It's very hopeful for myself, as an Indigenous person, when I see organizations such as the Canadian Psychological Association, responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (TRC), and the task force that was brought together was largely Indigenous representatives; Indigenous psychologists, Indigenous mental health care workers come together, as well as Indigenous allies: people who are not Indigenous themselves, but are wanting to support. So, highlighting and lifting up those voices and saying, "We value what Indigenous people have to say, We want to hear your direction. And we want to support you and work alongside you." That's very hopeful to me. I'm part of the Department of Psychology at the University of Victoria, and I'm very impressed with my department, in terms of embracing Indigenization and decolonization and really showing up when there are Indigenous events and not doing it in a token way—they want to be present, and they want to learn. That is very hopeful to me.
I have an undergraduate and a graduate class on promoting reconciliation within the field of psychology with Indigenous people. When I hear the ideas that students have, the reflections they have, and the assignments they have that are geared around promoting reconciliation and psychology, I'm filled with such hope. So that is all very positive.
The part that is not as satisfying is when you go to a different environment, perhaps a different institution, or you travel to a different area of what is now known as Canada, or different areas of the world, and meaningful acknowledgement is not there yet. That is very upsetting. Not only as an Indigenous person—I would hope that any person residing in Canada would be saddened when they see something being done in a token way. When I see that, it's sad and reminds me that there's so much further to go.
I really like this Monique Grey Smith's quote: "Reconciliation may not happen in our lifetime. However, we all have a part to play in its promotion."
I really agree with her messaging there. It is acknowledging the rupture has occurred over hundreds of years, and it takes time to mend. However, we all have a part to play in its promotion. And I don't think it has to be sad. Acknowledging that we are fighting the good fight; I think there's a lot of strength that is happening that can be celebrated throughout. But it is an ongoing process.
Q: What would your advice be for an Indigenous reader who is hesitant but considering seeking therapy?
A: My advice is that therapy can be helpful for anyone who wants to reflect on challenges, issues and stresses in their lives. The most important thing is to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. Like any relationship, it is about getting to know people.
I would encourage people to read a little bit about the story that the therapist shares about themselves, whether it's on their website, or wherever they're advertising themselves to see: does this feel congruent with someone that I want to sit down with, and share with? Is there an opportunity here for me to develop trust with a new person?
If they are a status First Nations person in B.C., I would encourage them to contact First Nations Health authorities to see if there is funding that they can apply for to support treatment. Unfortunately, many mental health services are paid services, and that can be a real barrier for many different individuals around the world.
I also like to direct people to the Hope For wellness helpline at 1-855-242-3310.
What's great about this service is that it's available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it is free. You can request to speak to an Indigenous counsellor; they might not immediately be able to transfer right away, but they could give you a call back.
Also, in addition to being available in English and French, it is available upon request in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) and Inuktitut.
