Non-Indigenous Counsellors Approaches to Work with Indigenous Clients

Laylin G. Keyes, The University of Western Ontario

Abstract

This thesis examines the therapeutic approaches used by non-Indigenous counsellors when working with Indigenous clients. Considering the historical and ongoing effects of colonization, including intergenerational trauma and systemic barriers within the Western mental health system, Indigenous communities in Canada experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges and often encounter a lack of culturally appropriate care. Employing a qualitative case study method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with non-Indigenous therapists to investigate the nuances of their work with Indigenous clients. The findings revealed four themes: Indigenous cultural integration, common factors, systemic challenges (operating within a Eurocentric system), and dyadic challenges. The results of this thesis can inform understanding of the methods used by non-Indigenous therapists working with Indigenous clients, as well as identify systemic changes necessary to create more culturally safe and effective mental health services for Indigenous peoples.