Relational Wise Practices

Abstract

Darlene Denis-Friske offers a Relational Wise Practices conceptualization in counselling work through Indigenous research methodologies, sharing a layered process of knowledge-building that invites the reader into an ethical space of consideration between paradigms while remaining centred within Indigenous worldviews. A Relational Wise Practices approach represents the expression of an Anishinaabe wholistic framework for ethical counselling through the lens of Etuaptmumk // Two-Eyed Seeing (Elder Albert Marshall, Moose Clan of the Mi’kmaw Nation). This approach offers guidance that seeks to centre land-place-Nation based, context-specific Indigenous Knowledges and healing practices that have existed across countless generations within reciprocal relational ethics, as uniquely expressed within diverse Indigenous communities and in harmony with the cultural views, teachings, and preferences of the person, family, and community who are seeking counselling support.

Author

Darlene Denis-Friske is a Registered Psychotherapist who holds a Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree and currently works with a medical health team in the Ottawa Valley. Darlene began helping work over 35 years ago as a Child and Youth Worker and has worked in schools (elementary, secondary, adult, and alternative education), private practice, and a large psychiatric hospital in Northern Ontario (Sudbury). Darlene’s advocacy, research, and focus centre around a deeper understanding of Indigenous wholistic theory, ethics, and values. As an Algonquin Anishinaabe, Darlene facilitates helping work through a lens of Relational Wise Practices, which is an Anishinaabe expression of a Wise Practices concept. 

Citation

Denis-Friske, D. (2025). Kichi Miinigoowizi Gookooko’oo // Sacred Gift of Owl: A Relational Wise Practices approach in ethical counselling work as shared through the Indigenous research methodologies of image, metaphor, Spirit, and the personal journey. In S. Collins and M. Jay (Eds.), Decolonizing health, healing, and care: Embodying culturally responsive and socially just counselling (Chapter 6.5). Counselling Concepts. https://doi.org/10.71446/lw83729177