Michael Tlanusta Garrett

Native American Healing Traditions

Indigenous healing practices among Native Americans have been documented in the United States since colonisation. Cultural encapsulation has deterred the acknowledgement of Native American medicinal practices as a precursor to folk medicine and many herbal remedies, which have greatly influenced modern medicine. Understanding Native American healing practices requires helping professionals to have knowledge of Native American cultural belief systems about health and wellness, with the many influences that create change in the mind, body, spirit, and natural environment. Native Americans believe their healing practices and traditions operate in the context of relationship to four constructs—namely, spirituality (Creator, Mother Earth, Great Father); community (family, clan, tribe/nation); environment (daily life, nature, balance); and self (inner passions and peace, thoughts, and values). This article provides insight into the relationship among each of the constructs and Native American healing traditions. Also, specific examples of current Native American indigenous healing practices in the United States are presented.

Examining the Relationship between Internalized Heterosexism and Substance Abuse among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals: A Critical Review

Historically, researchers have theorized a positive relationship between internalized heterosexism and higher substance abuse rates among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. This theory posits that internalized heterosexism induces anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other intrapsychic problems that lead to using alcohol and drugs to ameliorate these effects. Over the past 20 years, few studies have provided clear support for this theory, which raises the question whether internalized heterosexism indeed has a positive relationship with these increased rates. This article critiques these studies and explores important factors that may help to refine theoretical assumptions. Subsequently, implications for research and practice are offered in light of this analysis.

Inner Circle/Outer Circle: A Group Technique Based on Native American Healing Circles

Abstract The significance of the circle from a Native perspective is discussed as a symbol of and framework for group process. Specific discussion is offered concerning the importance of traditional Native values, symbolism of numbers and spatial directions, concentric circles, medicine, connect versus disconnect, and seeking vision. Inner circle/outer circle, a group technique based on Native, healing ceremonies, is described in terms of both content and process. Adaptations of this group technique are considered, and implications for group practice by both Native and non-Native practitioners are briefly outlined.

Invited Commentary: Fostering Resilience Among Native American Youth Through Therapeutic Intervention

This article offers a comprehensive overview and understanding of the needs of Native American Youth for researchers, educators, and practitioners based on current research and practice. Strengths and protective factors are discussed in terms of Native strengths in context, the strengths and resilience of Native ways, Indigenous ways of knowing, the relationship between cultural identity and the tribal nation, the importance of family, the roles of the wisdom keepers, spiritual ways, and communication styles. Contextual influences are explored in terms of the relationship between history and healing from intergenerational grief and trauma, the influence of acculturation, as well as current social, economic, and political issues that affect Native youth. Implications for research and therapeutic intervention are explored in terms of healing from historical trauma and oppression. The authors offer an overview of common presenting issues and recommendations, practical tribally-specific interventions, and reflections on what it means to work from a social justice and client/community advocacy perspective with a focus on providing effective therapeutic, culturally-based interventions with Native children and adolescents that promote resilience and foster positive development with this population.

Open Hands, Open Hearts: Working with Native Youth in the Schools.

A comprehensive discussion of the potential for cultural discontinuity experienced by Native youth in the schools is offered with implications for culturally responsive service delivery. Practical recommendations are provided for special educators and related service professionals working with Native youth to improve knowledge, awareness, and skills.

The Medicine of Coming to Center: Use of the Native American Centering Technique—Ayeli—to Promote Wellness and Healing in Group Work

This article provides group counselors a description of Ayeli, a culturally-based centering technique rooted in Native American traditions. Ayeli is a process that allows participants an opportunity to experience and reflect on four crucial elements relevant to wellness from a Native American perspective: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. Clients are encouraged to explore visually, introspectively, and interpersonally how they would like to find greater balance and harmony in their lives along these four dimensions essential for wellness. Ayeli is described as relational, helping group members to find the source of harmony with self, family, community, environment, and the spiritual world.

VISION A Model of Cultural Responsiveness for Speech-Language Pathologists Working in Family Partnerships

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has established knowledge and skills needed for culturally competent service delivery by speech-language pathologists. Among these are skills needed to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and linguistic differences. The purpose of this article is to describe a model, VISION, to assist in development of cultural competence. This article includes a description of the components of VISION followed by vignettes to illustrate its application.The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has established knowledge and skills needed for culturally competent service delivery by speech-language pathologists. Among these are skills needed to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and linguistic differences. The purpose of this article is to describe a model, VISION, to assist in development of cultural competence. This article includes a description of the components of VISION followed by vignettes to illustrate its application.

Group Chaos Theory: A Metaphor and Model for Group Work

ABSTRACT Group phenomena and interactions are described through the use of the chaos theory constructs and characteristics of sensitive dependence on initial conditions, phase space, turbulence, emergence, self-organization, dissipation, iteration, bifurcation, and attractors and fractals. These constructs and theoretical tenets are presented as applicable metaphors to benefit, expand, and enhance group work practice and knowledge. Guidelines are suggested for application, as well as mathematical research models and procedures that may better address the nonlinear dimensions of groups. Suggestions for future group practice and research are also provided.

Native American Adult Lifespan Perspectives: Where Power Moves

The purpose of this chapter is to present information summarizing research findings on strengths and challenges to mental health in Native adult populations. This will be accomplished by offering a comprehensive overview and understanding of this population through discussion of (a) basic demographic information, (b) strengths that contribute to the resilience of Native adults, (c) significant challenges Native adults face in maintaining mental health, and finally (d) a discussion linking strengths and challenges at the level of research and/or policy in order to better understand how the strengths and resilience of Native adults can be used for the betterment of this population.