PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The program will begin with an overview of the differences between Native and non-Native cultures with respect to concept of wellness, illness, and medicine. This concept suggests that all illness, whether of mind, body, or spirit, stems from a “spiritual sickness”. The program will address culturally appropriate counseling interventions when working with Native Americans, including the use of: art, spirituality, music, dreams, and nature. The purpose of each intervention will be identified -- the need for it, when it might be used, how to use each intervention, and expected outcome of these interventions. Presentation format will encourage group discussion throughout the day, as well as hands-on, experiential activities to facilitate learning.  Participants will be involved in “group” activities, with each group being presented with a case scenario (i.e., depression, substance dependence, trauma, grief and loss, or domestic violence) to decide what interventions they would use in each scenario. Opportunity will be given to learn to conduct a Native American Talking Circle ceremony; and have individual groups lead their own Talking Circle. This program is aimed at the advanced skill level.

FACULTY: Victoria Redhawk Steele, MC, LPC, NCC, is a Native American (Seneca/Mingo) and German counselor.  She is a counselor and coach in private practice in Tucson, Arizona. Ms. Steele is also on the counseling and psychology faculty of the University of Phoenix.  She provides retreats and workshops in Native American Spirituality, Nature Therapy, and the celebration of Midlife Women. She is a 2006 recipient of the Dynamic Duo award from Compass Health Care for her work with Native people.  Ms. Steele has worked as a therapist at The Haven, a residential substance use treatment center for women and she co-created "Strengthening the Circle: Talking Circles", a non-profit program of healing for Native women who have been victims of trauma and abuse.  In addition, she counseled domestic violence victims at The Brewster Center.  www.CounselorVictoriaSteele.com. 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

• discuss the concept of illness and wellness from the viewpoint of Native Americans,

• compare and contrast Western vs. Traditional Native American Medicine views of health,

• identify interventions to improve the treatment of American Indian/Alaska Native patients,

• determine where non-Native counselors are getting stuck in their work with American Indians,

• discuss acculturation of Native Americans,

• identify the difference between Native and non-Native cultures,

• discuss the role of traditional healers in the treatment process.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, addiction therapists, psychiatric nurses, chaplains, and other mental health professionals.

AGENDA: