Utilizing Spiritual Ecograms With Native American Families and Children to Promote Cultural Competence in Family Therapy

Abstract

This study signifies an initial step at giving family therapists an important assessment tool as they seek to increase cultural competence with Native American families and children. To determine the relevancy and consistency of utilizing a spiritual ecogram assessment tool with Native Americans, 50 Native American participants, with extensive experience with this population, reviewed, rated, and gave feedback on its use. Although some limitations were noted, results showed that spiritual ecograms were moderately consistent with Native American culture and, if used properly, can help family therapists develop culturally appropriate interventions with Native American families and children.

Adapting Communities That Care in Urban Aboriginal Communities in British Columbia: An Interim Evaluation

“…The development of Aboriginally relevant counseling methods is reflected in recent research efforts, such as Limb and Hodge's (2011) contemplation of the therapeutic implementation of spiritual ecograms, a unique assessment tool that incorporates the fundamental aspects of a genogram, with additional consideration given to past and present functioning, while considering the physical and spiritual aspects of the self.…”

Clinical perspectives on the integration of mainstream mental health approaches and traditional aboriginal healing practices.

“…In exploring the parallel and contrasting origins of Western and Native worldviews and subsequent therapeutic approaches, the authors have joined the ranks of various other scholars (Kirmayer & Valaskakis, 2009;Limb & Hodge, 2011;Walker, Cromarty, Kelly, & St Pierre-Hansen, 2009;Witko, 2006) in their pursuit to expand the body o f knowledge concerned with improving our understanding of how these two perspectives may serve to enhance clinical interventions and improve outcomes for Native clients. Duran and Duran's (1995) comparison grants the reader an opportunity to consider the congruencies between worldviews often considered as being at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum.…”

“…Duran and Duran's (1995) comparison grants the reader an opportunity to consider the congruencies between worldviews often considered as being at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum. The analysis of the contrasting aspects of the two ideological perspectives is presented in a manner that allows for critical consideration on the attributes The integration o f mainstream mental health methodologies and traditional Indigenous practices has garnered significant attention from both professional and academic communities (Duran, 2009;Kirmayer & Valaskakis, 2009;Limb & Hodge, 2011;Walker, Cromarty, Kelly, & St Pierre-Hansen, 2009 Consideration is also given to issues of racism and discrimination faced by ethnic minorities.…”

“…In recent years scholarly voices have placed significant emphasis on the value of culturally relevant multi-disciplinary service delivery (Duran, 2009;Kirmayer & Valaskakis, 2009;Limb & Hodge, 2011;Walker, Cromarty, Kelly, & St Pierre-Hansen, 2009;).…”

“…The notion of integrated approaches in the delivery of mental health supports has been the focus of various scholarly inquiries on topics such as professional experiences on the integration o f mainstream and traditional healing practices, the theoretical origins of Western and traditional healing practices, approaches to promoting the mental health of Native Americans, the application o f spiritual ecograms in promoting culturally relevant mental health supports, culturally relevant mental health practice, organizational cultural competency, the impact of traditional knowledge on the delivery o f professional supports, cultural competency in the delivery of supports to minority and Aboriginal populations, and culturally appropriate healing practices (Ambtman, Hudson, Hartry, & Mackay-Chiddenton, 2010;Bhandary, 2011;Carlick, 2009;Duran & Duran, 1995;Eshun & Gurung, 2009;Limb & Hodge, 2011;Nebelkopf & Phillips, 2004;Oulanova, 2008;Sinclair, Hart, & Bruyere, 2009). The following nine literature reviews are aimed at supporting the primary research query.…”