Tag Archive for: Traditional Healing

Integrating Professional and Indigenous Therapies: An Urban American Indian Narrative Clinical Case Study

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Authors: Dennis C. Wendt and Joseph P. Gone

Publication Year: 2016

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Journal: Counseling Psychology

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Ethnicity; Mental and Behavioral Health; Race; Psychotherapy; Spirituality; Religion; Qualitative; Multiculturalism

 

Short Abstract: We present a narrative case study of an urban American Indian male college student who integrated Indigenous and professional therapies during an acute period of stress, loss, and depression.

 

Abstract: We present a narrative case study of an urban American Indian male college student who integrated Indigenous and professional therapies during an acute period of stress, loss, and depression. The first published case of an American Indian in an urban context, this article expands on previous clinical cases by focusing on the perspective of the client relative to his own conceptions of help-seeking behaviors. Based on qualitative analysis of five audio-recorded interviews, this case utilizes an innovative methodology to portray four approaches to healing (medication, counseling, bonding, and spirituality), which contribute to holistic well-being. Implications for counseling psychologists include being aware of how some American Indian clients may (a) view professional treatment dynamics through a Native cultural lens (e.g., seeing ideal communication as a “rhythm”); (b) utilize an expanded range of therapeutic agents; (c) resist medication for cultural and spiritual reasons; and (d) refrain from discussing spiritual matters with professionals.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5007066/

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Motivational interviewing and culture for urban Native American youth (MICUNAY): A randomized controlled trial

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Authors: Elizabeth J. D'Amico et al.

Publication Year: 2020

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Journal: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Substance Use; Adolescents; Motivational Interviewing; Intervention; Traditional Practices

 

Short Abstract: To date, few programs that integrate traditional practices with evidence-based practices have been developed, implemented, and evaluated with urban American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) using a strong research design.

 

Abstract: To date, few programs that integrate traditional practices with evidence-based practices have been developed, implemented, and evaluated with urban American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) using a strong research design. The current study recruited urban AI/AN teens across northern, central, and southern California during 2014–2017 to participate in a randomized controlled trial testing two cultural interventions that addressed alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. Adolescents were 14–18 years old (inclusive), and either verbally self-identified as AI/AN or were identified as AI/AN by a parent or community member. We tested the added benefit of MICUNAY (Motivational Interviewing and Culture for Urban Native American Youth) to a CWG (Community Wellness Gathering). MICUNAY was a group intervention with three workshops that integrated traditional practices with motivational interviewing. CWGs were cultural events held monthly in each city. AI/AN urban adolescents (N = 185) completed a baseline survey, were randomized to MICUNAY + CWG or CWG only, and then completed a three- and six-month follow-up. We compared outcomes on AOD use, spirituality, and cultural identification. Overall, AOD use remained stable over the course of the study, and we did not find significant differences between these two groups over time. It may be that connecting urban AI/AN adolescents to culturally centered activities and resources is protective, which has been shown in other work with this population. Given that little work has been conducted in this area, longer term studies of AOD interventions with urban AI/AN youth throughout the U.S. are suggested to test the potential benefits of culturally centered interventions.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7477923/

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Effects of culturally tailored smoking prevention and cessation messages on urban American Indian youth

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Authors: Marco Yzer et al.

Publication Year: 2021

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Journal: Preventive Medicine Reports

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Health Disparities; Tobacco Use (non-traditional); Smoking Cessation; Youth; Cultural Tailoring

 

Short Abstract: American Indians (AI) face significant disparities in smoking-related diseases. In addition, smoking prevalence increases exponentially between ages 11 and 18. Smoking prevention and cessation efforts aimed at AI youth therefore are important. In order to strengthen understanding of evidence-based message strategies for smoking prevention and cessation among AI youth.

 

Abstract: American Indians (AI) face significant disparities in smoking-related diseases. In addition, smoking prevalence increases exponentially between ages 11 and 18. Smoking prevention and cessation efforts aimed at AI youth therefore are important. In order to strengthen understanding of evidence-based message strategies for smoking prevention and cessation among AI youth. The objective of this study was to test whether a message that was tailored to AI cultural values associated with the sacredness of traditional tobacco can change variables that behavioral theories have identified as predictors of smoking (i.e., instrumental and experiential attitudes, injunctive and descriptive norms, perceived capacity and autonomy, and intention with respect to smoking). We conducted a randomized field experiment among 300 never-smoking and ever-smoking urban AI youth in Minneapolis-Saint Paul between May 18 and July 27, 2019. We used a 3 (message condition: cultural benefits of not smoking cigarettes, health benefits of not smoking cigarettes, comparison message about benefits of healthy eating) × 2 (smoking status: ever-smoked, never-smoked) between-subjects design. Multivariate analysis of variance showed that for ever-smokers, the cultural consequences of smoking message significantly lowered instrumental attitude (partial eta2 = 0.029), experiential attitude (partial eta2 = 0.041), perceived capacity (partial eta2 = 0.051), and smoking intention (partial eta2 = 0.035) compared to the healthy eating comparison message and the health consequences of smoking message. This was not observed among never-smokers, who already had very negative smoking perceptions. We conclude that messages that tailor to AI culture may be effective tools for discouraging smoking among AI youth.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S2211335521002308?token=67C271FD1BE119934DCFB16CB491FA12F86702E0B83DC66A0DC54B0BDE5E77E3E872AFF96323FD8696981636F06E93F6&originRegion=us-east-1&originCreation=20230213211721

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Content Analysis Informing the Development of Adapted Harm Reduction Talking Circles (HaRTC) with Urban American Indians and Alaska Natives Experiencing Alcohol Use Disorder

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Authors: Lonnie A. Nelson et al.

Publication Year: 2022

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Journal: International Journal of Indigenous Health

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Harm Reduction; Talking Circles; Alcohol Use; Qualitative Analysis

 

Short Abstract: Prior studies with Native populations have highlighted concerns about the cultural acceptability of highly directive, Eurocentric approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and 12-step programs in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD).

 

Abstract: Prior studies with Native populations have highlighted concerns about the cultural acceptability of highly directive, Eurocentric approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and 12-step programs in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). When asked in a prior qualitative study how they would redesign AUD treatment, urban American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) participants reported wanting more low-barrier, harm-reduction treatment options, Native treatment providers, and culturally relevant practices. Talking Circles, which are gatherings where people share what is on their hearts, were the most requested Native cultural practice. After developing and piloting its initial iteration, researchers, community members, and traditional health professionals collaborated on the present qualitative research study to further refine an adapted Harm Reduction Talking Circle (HaRTC) protocol to address AUD with urban AI/ANs. This study features a conventional content analysis of 31 patient interviews, 6 key informant interviews with management and traditional health professionals, and 5 staff and provider focus groups to inform the development of the HaRTC. Specifically, this study describes staff, management, traditional health professionals, provider, and patient participants’ a) perspectives on HaRTC, including potential benefits, risks and mitigating factors, b) preferred traditional medicines and practices, c) preferred approaches/Circle Facilitator stance for engagement and facilitation, and d) HaRTC logistics (e.g., timing, frequency). Analyses indicated a central tendency preference for 8, weekly HaRTC sessions. Although participants expressed concerns about the potential inclusion of intoxicated people in HaRTC sessions, a large majority of staff, management and patient participants felt it was important to have HaRTC be as inclusive and accepting of community members as possible. Participants provided suggestions for how to structure facilitation of the HaRTC and mitigate risks of intoxication and patient escalation. Participants preferred an approach that is acceptance-based, respects individuals’ autonomy and culture, and creates a safe space for recovery. Most participants felt the specific traditions and medicines applied in the HaRTC should be maximally inclusive to honor the diversity of tribal affiliations and backgrounds represented among urban AI/ANs. In conclusion, participants largely supported an integration of harm-reduction principles and the North American Indigenous tradition of the Talking Circle to provide a compassionate, culturally appropriate healing practice to a larger spectrum of AI/ANs with AUD. Future research is planned to test the efficacy of this community-informed approach.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/ijih/article/view/36677

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Utilizing Drumming for American Indians/Alaska Natives with Substance Use Disorders: A Focus Group Study

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Authors: Daniel Dickerson et al.

Publication Year: 2012

Last Updated: September 2012

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Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Substance Use; Drumming; Gender Roles; Tradition

 

Short Abstract: Background—Drumming has been utilized among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes for centuries to promote healing and self-expression. Drum-Assisted Recovery Therapy for Native Americans (DARTNA), currently under development, is a substance abuse treatment utilizing drumming as a core component.

 

Abstract: Background—Drumming has been utilized among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes for centuries to promote healing and self-expression. Drum-Assisted Recovery Therapy for Native Americans (DARTNA), currently under development, is a substance abuse treatment utilizing drumming as a core component. Objectives—Focus groups were conducted to assist in the development of the DARTNA protocol. Feedback obtained from these focus groups will inform a subsequent pretest of DARTNA and an empirical study analyzing its effectiveness. Methods—Three focus groups were conducted among AIs/ANs with substance use disorders (n = 6), substance abuse treatment providers (n = 8), and a community advisory board (n = 4) to solicit feedback prior to a pretest of the DARTNA protocol. Results—Overall, participants indicated that DARTNA could be beneficial for AIs/ANs with substance use disorders. Four overarching conceptual themes emerged across the focus groups: (1) benefits of drumming, (2) importance of a culture-based focus, (3) addressing gender roles in drumming activities, and (4) providing a foundation of common AI/AN traditions. Conclusions—The DARTNA protocol is a potentially beneficial and culturally appropriate substance abuse treatment strategy for AIs/ANs. In order to optimize the potential benefits of a substance abuse treatment protocol utilizing drumming for AIs/ANs, adequate attention to tribal diversity and gender roles is needed. Scientific Significance—Due to the shortage of substance abuse treatments utilizing traditional healing activities for AIs/ANs, including drumming, results from this study provide an opportunity to develop an intervention that may meet the unique treatment needs of AIs/ANs.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3725997/

Type of Resource: Best Practices Newsletter

Cultural Competence: What Is Needed in Working With Native American With HIV/AIDS?

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Authors: Shelley Hamill, Michael Dickey

Publication Year: 2005

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Journal: Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care

Keywords: Awareness; Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Health Disparities; HIV/AIDS; Misclassification of AI/AN

 

Short Abstract: American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) people have a unique culture that is misunderstood by many health care professionals. There are nearly 2.5 million AI/ANs living in the United States in 300 different tribal or language groups and governed by 569 different tribal governments (U.S. Census Bureau, 2002).

 

Abstract: American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) people have a unique culture that is misunderstood by many health care professionals. There are nearly 2.5 million AI/ANs living in the United States in 300 different tribal or language groups and governed by 569 different tribal governments (U.S. Census Bureau, 2002). The myriad of ethnicities within the population labeled AI/AN or Native American makes it difficult to identify the scope of the HIV/AIDS problem under today’s system of classification. Throughout the evolution of the health care system, AI/AN populations have experienced, as have other minorities, less than adequate attention with regard to specific and culturally appropriate treatment and prevention programs (Dickey, Tafoya, & Wirth, 2003). Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. In 2000, then-U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher issued a call for action on the HIV/AIDS crisis in AI/AN communities. He stated an urgent need among Native communities as well as federal and state organizations and community health care providers to work together in an effort to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to bring awareness to community members (Satcher, 2000). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2002), as of December 2002, there were 2,875 AIDS cases among AI/ANs. However, although the actual number of reported HIV/AIDS cases among Native Americans is relatively low, in this small population, the number is alarming. The number of AIDS cases has doubled among this population within the last 5 years (CDC). In the period from 1996 to 2002, AIDS incidence decreased markedly among Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders but increased among AI/ANs (CDC). During that same time period, the number of deaths from AIDS also declined among all racial groups except AI/ANs (CDC). Many health professionals estimate the number of AIDS cases among AI/ANs to be much higher than what statistics are currently reporting and that the number of HIV cases could be as much as 10-times greater (Satcher, 2002). For example, a study of drug treatment patients conducted from 1991 to 1994 in New York City showed that the number of Native Americans testing positive for HIV was comparable to that of African Americans (Walters, Simoni, & Harris, 2000). This may indicate higher rates of HIV among AI/ANs within certain geographical populations. As with other minority populations, there is still a great stigma associated with HIV/AIDS within AI/AN communities. Among AI/ANs, concerns over confidentiality are evident because of the close-knit communities in which they live and the tremendous stigma of homosexuality. Many AI/ANs are not seeking testing for HIV because of this concern. As a result, underreporting of HIV among this community remains high. In addition, many Native Americans are misclassified by health care providers as Hispanic, Caucasian, African American, or Asian. During data reporting, this misclassification skews the statistics of the AI/AN population, resulting in underreporting of HIV/AIDS cases.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: http://www.asph.sc.edu/news/cultural.pdf

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

A Gathering of Native American Healers: Exploring the Interface of Indigenous Tradition and Professional Practice

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Authors: Virgil D. Moorehead Jr., Joseph P. Gone, Damia December

Publication Year: 2015

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Journal: American Journal of Community Psychology

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Mental and Behavioral Health; Psychology; Traditional Healing; Multicultural Counseling; Alternative Medicine

 

Short Abstract: This article reports insights from a 4-day Gathering of Native American Healers at the University of Michigan in October of 2010.

 

Abstract: This article reports insights from a 4-day Gathering of Native American Healers at the University of Michigan in October of 2010. This event convened 18 traditional healers, clinically trained service providers, and cross-cultural mental health researchers for a structured group dialogue to advance professional knowledge about the integration of Indigenous healing practices and conventional mental health treatments in community-based mental health services for Native Americans. Our thematic analysis of transcripts from five Roundtable sessions afforded several key insights and understandings pertaining to the integration of Indigenous healing and conventional mental health services. First, with reference to traditional healing, the importance of a rampant relationality, various personal qualities, Indigenous spirituality, and maintenance of traditional life and culture were accentuated by Roundtable participants. Second, for traditional healers to practice effectively, Roundtable participants posited that these individuals must maintain personal wellness, cultivate profound knowledge of healing practices, recognize the intrinsic healing potential within all human beings, and work for the community rather than themselves. In speaking to the possibilities and challenges of collaboration between Indigenous and conventional biomedical therapeutic approaches, Roundtable participants recommended the implementation of cultural programming, the observance of mutuality and respect, the importance of clear and honest communication, and the need for awareness of cultural differences as unique challenges that must be collaboratively overcome.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: http://gonetowar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Healers-Gathering.pdf

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Geographical Access and the Substitution of Traditional Healing for Biomedical Services in 2 American Indian Tribes

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Authors: John C. Fortney, Carol E. Kaufman, David E. Pollio, et al.

Publication Year: 2012

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Journal: Medical Care

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Health Care Access; Health Disparities; Mental and Behavioral Health; Social Determinants of Health; Geographic Accessibility; Traditional Healing

 

Short Abstract: Objectives: American Indians who live in rural reservation communities face substantial geographic barriers to care that may limit their use of health services and contribute to their well-documented health disparities.

 

Abstract: Objectives: American Indians who live in rural reservation communities face substantial geographic barriers to care that may limit their use of health services and contribute to their well-documented health disparities. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of geographical access to care on the use of services for physical and mental health problems and to explore American Indians' use of traditional healing services in relation to use of biomedical services. Methods: We analyzed survey data collected from 2 tribes (Southwest and Northern Plains). Geographical access to the closest biomedical service was measured using a Geographic Information System, including road travel distance, elevation gain, and reservation boundary crossing. Results: Use of biomedical services was unaffected by geographical access for Northern Plains tribal members with mental health problems and for Southwest tribal members with physical or mental health problems. For members of the Northern Plains tribe with physical health problems, travel distance (P= 0.007) and elevation gain (P= 0.029) significantly predicted a lower likelihood of service use. The use of traditional healing was unrelated to biomedical service use for members of the Northern Plains tribe with physical or mental health problems and for members of the Southwest tribe with physical health problems. For members of the Southwest tribe with mental health problems, the use of biomedical services increased the likelihood of using traditional healing services. Conclusions: Findings suggest that biomedical services are geographically accessible to most tribal members and that tribal members are not substituting traditional healing for biomedical treatments because of poor geographical access.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3446690/

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Cultural Sources of Strength and Resilience: A Case Study of Holistic Wellness Boxes for COVID-19 Response in Indigenous Communities

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Authors: Kevin M. W. Aulandez et al.

Publication Year: 2021

Last Updated: February 2021

Journal: Frontiers in Sociology

Keywords: Covid-19; Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Health Disparities; Mental and Behavioral Health; Nutrition; Holistic Health; Community-Based Participatory Research; Pandemics

 

Short Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had disproportionately severe impacts on Indigenous peoples in the United States compared to non-Indigenous populations. In addition to the threat of viral infection, COVID-19 poses an increased risk for psychosocial stress that may widen already existing physical, mental, and behavioral health inequities experienced by Indigenous communities.

 

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had disproportionately severe impacts on Indigenous peoples in the United States compared to non-Indigenous populations. In addition to the threat of viral infection, COVID-19 poses an increased risk for psychosocial stress that may widen already existing physical, mental, and behavioral health inequities experienced by Indigenous communities. In recognition of the impact of COVID-19-related psychosocial stressors on our tribal community partners, the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Great Lakes Hub began sending holistic wellness boxes to our community partners in 11 tribal communities in the Midwestern United States and Canada in the summer of 2020. Designed specifically to draw on culturally relevant sources of strength and resilience, these boxes contained a variety of items to support mental, emotional, cultural, and physical well-being. Feedback from recipients suggests that these wellness boxes provided a unique form of COVID-19 relief. Additional Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health offices have begun to adapt wellness boxes for the cultural context of their regions. This case study describes the conceptualization, creation, and contents of these wellness boxes and orients this intervention within a reflection on foundations of community-based participatory research, holistic relief, and drawing on cultural strengths in responding to COVID-19.

 

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Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2021.612637/full

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Beading Native Twitter: Indigenous arts-based approaches to healing and resurgence

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Authors: Jeffrey Ansloos et al.

Publication Year: 2022

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Journal: The Arts in Psychotherapy

Keywords: Communication Technologies; Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Beading; Arts; Healing; Psychotherapy; Digital Space; First Nations

 

Short Abstract: Beading is a cultural art form that holds great significance for Indigenous communities. Across history, the practice of beading has been widely recognized by Indigenous peoples as a means of recording and translating cultural knowledge, and of promoting wellness across various contexts. While beading existed long before Settler-European contact, its survival amidst Canada’s colonial history is profound.

 

Abstract: Beading is a cultural art form that holds great significance for Indigenous communities. Across history, the practice of beading has been widely recognized by Indigenous peoples as a means of recording and translating cultural knowledge, and of promoting wellness across various contexts. While beading existed long before Settler-European contact, its survival amidst Canada’s colonial history is profound. With the rise of social media platforms, Indigenous communities have taken up digital spaces such as Twitter to support cultural resurgence and healing. Our study is interested in the everyday ways in which digital environments like Twitter may be therapeutic. Conceptually situated within the interdisciplinary nexus of Indigenous studies, psychotherapeutic studies, and contextualist qualitative research, we draw on an analysis of tweets and interviews from Indigenous beaders within Canada. Using a thematic approach (Braun & Clark, 2006), our analysis yielded 12 themes that speak to the relationship between, and possibilities and challenges related to, beading, Indigenous healing processes, and digital space. A discussion is provided on the benefits of the digital space for therapeutic healing, its limitations, tensions, and the colonial legacies that become re-enacted in digital spaces. Strengths and limitations of the study are also discussed. NOTE: This article focuses on First Nation individuals in Canada with indigenous beading culture, not AI/AN individuals in the United States.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

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Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197455622000351

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article