Practice 2 Decolonization

Abstract

In Practice 2 Decolonization Melissa invites readers into a learning and unlearning circle to open and hold space for all as both teachers and learners. The authors acknowledge that helping professions have offered, and continue to offer, a limited view of health and healing based most often on dominating, eurowestern worldviews. They reflect on the ways coloniality is threaded through the current theory and practice of counselling and psychology. They then paint a picture of what it might look like to apply the principle of decolonization to the theory and practice of counselling and psychology, inviting consideration of how our individual and collective vision of health and healing may be defined (i.e., what possibilities are included) and confined (i.e., what possibilities are excluded) based on our worldviews. The authors define decolonization as a commitment to upholding reciprocity, respect, and care for all our relations (humans, animals, the land, and ecosystems). Decolonization calls for an unlearning of the practices of colonization. The call for reconciliation is an invitation into proper and healthy relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples based on mutuality, respect for dignity, and inclusivity. By centring and uplifting Indigenous worldviews, the authors aim to enhance cultural safety and care within the professions of counselling and psychotherapy. Indigenizing, in this sense, is about centring Indigenous-led, supported, culturally relevant, and responsive practice for Indigenous clients. The authors link decolonial practice to the “Calls to Action” of the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Sandra and Melissa are honoured to profile the contributions of the following co-authors:

• Randy White welcomes readers into the learning space through drumming (video), which is an integral element of his own healing practices that connects him, and those he walks alongside, to Spirit. 
• Gwendolyn Villebrun offers guidance to counsellors in responding to the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. She draws on the “Calls for Justice” to ensure trauma-informed, well-funded, and Indigenous-led services, centring wellness in ways that respect Indigenous practices and knowledge systems.
• Jamie Consoli speaks to Indigenizing through connection (in video conversation with Melissa). She invites a focus on our relationships to connect with ourselves. By connecting with each other in community, where we are all equals, we learn from one another.

Co-Authors

Sandra Collins (she/her), PhD, is a co-editor of this book. She writes from the perspective of a feminist, lesbian, cisgender, woman with an invisible disability, who is a white, retired professor, and inhabits a privileged social class. Over the 25 years of her academic and professional career, she focused her research, writing, and teaching on cultural responsivity and social justice in theory, research, and practice. This is her fifth book on these topics, two of which were awarded the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Counselling biannual book award. She also received a silver medal for best e-book design by the Independent Publisher Book Awards.

Melissa Jay (she/her), PhD, RPsych, is a cisgender nehiyaw (Cree) member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and lifelong student of yoga philosophy. She is a cisgender, able-bodied woman who moves through the world with white-passing privilege. She is a psychologist and associate professor at Athabasca University. Her work is centred in reciprocity and relationship, decolonized healing, anti-oppressive practices, and the integration of ancient wisdom and psychology. Her intention is to share trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, alongside her ongoing collaborative research exploring relational accountability, Indigenous methodologies, and ethical engagement with community.

Gwendolyn Villebrun  (she/her), PhD, RPsych, is a Dene/Métis and a member of K’atl’odeeche Dene First Nation, Northwest Territories. She resides in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta), Treaty 6 territory. She is an assistant professor in the counselling psychology program in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. As a registered psychologist since 2005, she serves predominantly urban First Nations, those impacted by the Indigenous Residential Institutions, and children who have experienced abuse.

Randy White (he/him), MC, CCC, is an award-winning musician and cultural clinician. his Anishinaabe name is Kebeyaasang, and he is a proud member of the Bizhew (Lynx) clan from the community of Naotkemgwanning (Whitefish Bay), situated on the shores of Lake of the Woods in Treaty 3 territory. He holds a master’s degree in counselling psychology, and he is a member of the Ontario College of Psychotherapists. Drumming has kept him deeply connected to Anishinaabe life throughout my upbringing, serving as a reminder to him of the Elders’ foresight and their kindness in preserving hope for future generations.

Jamie Consoli (she/her), MEd, RP, was born and raised in Northeastern Ontario. She is a Mushkego Cree wife, mother, and mental health practitioner. She has a Master of Education in counselling psychology from Western University, and she is a registered psychotherapist. She has worked in postsecondary education as an Indigenous counsellor for over 12 years. As a person who is of both Indigenous and European ancestry, she has a deep understanding of what it is like to navigate intersectional identities. She strives to embody this in her work as a counsellor and her passion for creating culturally safe spaces.

Citation

Collins, S., Jay, M., Villebrun, G., White, R., & Consoli, J. In S. Collins and M. Jay (Eds.), Decolonizing health, healing, and care: Embodying culturally responsive and socially just counselling (Chapter 1.3). Counselling Concepts. https://doi.org/10.71446/ud38495793