A Wise Practices Concept

Abstract

The Code of Ethics of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (2020) notes that revisions to consider Indigenous Peoples, communities, and contexts were among the most significant adjustments, drawing attention to concepts addressed through the process of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. A Wise Practices Lens was offered as part of “a first step in the journey of a shared understanding that requires the involvement of a grassroots, Indigenous-driven community exploration of Indigenous-based ethics” (p. 30). Moving forward in the counselling profession, it is vital to acknowledge and assert the diverse Nation-specific, land-and-place-based healing and helping practices expressed uniquely by, and subjectively within, the cultural worldviews of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. From this position of advocacy and Indigenous self-determination, it is important to develop a contribution that explores the concept of Wise Practices through a cultural lens, specifically in the context of counselling and helping work. Darlene Denis-Friske presents the results of a systematic review of the concept of Wise Practices as described by Indigenous Scholars and Knowledge Holders. This involves a review of the literature on the history and development of the concept in general, with a secondary aim to present a view of the cultural concept within the context of counselling. Darlene seeks to honour the lens of Etuaptmumk // Two-Eyed Seeing as described by Elder Albert Marshall, Moose Clan of the Mi’kmaw Nation, who shares teachings that encourage understanding across multiple paradigms and perspectives of knowledge-building while, in the context of the current chapter, remaining centred within Indigenous worldviews.

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). A Wise Practices concept in counselling from within an Indigenous Perspective. In S. Collins and M. Jay (Eds.), Decolonizing health, healing, and care: Embodying culturally responsive and socially just counselling (Chapter 6.1). Counselling Concepts. https://doi.org/10.71446/ck73892374