Staying Open

Abstract

In this final chapter Melissa and Sandra pause to reflect on their relationship as co-editors, the collaborative process of writing the book, and what they have learned along the way from each other and from the other contributors to this work. They then invite readers into their own reflective process on their learning and unlearning throughout the book, attending to what they will carry forward and what questions or uncertainties remain for them. They revisit the “Calls to Action” from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and some of the threads they have woven through the book, including understanding therapist positionalities (i.e., epistemologies, ontologies, and axiologies) as a foundation for embracing cultural humility and pluralism in ways of knowing, doing, and being, guided by the practice of Etuaptmumk, also known as Two-Eyed Seeing. Melissa and Sandra offer visual and written prompts to support readers in revisiting the eight pathways through which they have journeyed in the book, inviting them to consider which practices have been most meaningful or transformative for them. The authors revisit the practice of cultural humility as a foundation for remaining open to new learning and unlearning as a lifelong professional and personal commitment. Melissa reminds readers of the question she posed throughout the book: How am I being in this doing? Melissa and Sandra wrap up the chapter by introducing the concept of culture as medicine, reflecting again on the importance of decolonizing and Indigenizing counselling, psychology, and other healthcare theories and practices. They speak to endings as ceremony and invite readers to honour their transition in closing this chapter in their learning process. They each offer parting messages to readers.

Co-Authors

Melissa Jay 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 reciprocal relationships, decolonized healing, anti-oppressive practices, and the integration of ancient wisdom and psychology. Her intention is to share trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.

Sandra Collins is a recently retired professor of counselling psychology. She writes from the perspective of a feminist, lesbian, cisgender, woman with an invisible disability, who is semiretired, white, and inhabits a privileged social class. She is also positioned by her European heritage and consequent colonial/settler relationship to Indigenous peoples. Over the 25 years of her academic and professional career she focused her research, writing, and teaching on cultural responsivity and social justice in counselling and psychological theory, research, and practice. She is currently a consultant, writer, curriculum designer, and artist.

Citation

Jay, M., & Collins, S. (2025). Staying open to the unknown. In S. Collins and M. Jay (Eds.), Decolonizing health, healing, and care: Embodying culturally responsive and socially just counselling (Chapter 0.2). Counselling Concepts. https://doi.org/10.71446/zp48937520