The healing path: A culture and community-derived indigenous therapy model.

In recent times, psychosocial intervention activities by Native/Aboriginal traditional healers have received much attention. There is a belief among many Native Americans and Aboriginal Canadians that their current problems are connected to past and contemporary traumas and that psychology as a profession has failed them and is even perceived as an agent of social control and hegemony. As a result, more and more Aboriginal people are turning to traditional ways for psychological healing. In this study, Aboriginal healers and healer clients participated in individual interviews and discussions related to their experiences and views as to what conditions they believe are helpful in effecting positive changes in behavior, cognitions, and emotions. Through personal narratives and topical commentary, 12 therapeutic conditions were revealed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).