Part 2: Bridging the Clinical and Cultural

An educational workshop that delves into the history, context, and modern consequences of the residential school system and its effects on Indigenous communities in Canada. It addresses the common types of trauma faced by Indigenous peoples, the impact of colonization and history on these challenges, cultural perspectives on trauma and mental health, Indigenous practices for mental well-being and holistic recovery. The workshop also explores evidence-based therapeutic methods and ways to connect Western psychological techniques with Indigenous healing traditions, offering a range of tools and strategies for those assisting others. Participants can anticipate interactive activities and real-world applications during the workshop.

Background & History:  Basic overview of history, background, and current understandings of the residential school system and its effects on the Indigenous population in Canada. Review of current statistics and trends.

Clinical & Cultural: Use of the Two-Eyed Seeing Approach in practice. Considerations of Western psychological approaches and Indigenous approaches to mental health and holistic healing. How we use culture as healing medicine.

Types of Trauma: Types of trauma most commonly seen among Indigenous populations, how history of colonization and background contributes to what is being seen, cultural perspectives around trauma and mental health.

Intergenerational Healing & Growth: Review of Ethno Stress and research-based approaches to healing. Stress and trauma on the brain and body and how we can use this information to approach our Indigenous clients.

Indigenous Experiential Techniques: Different techniques that provide tools for people working with others. Practical application and exercises throughout the workshop.

Mrs. Leigh Sheldon is a Registered Psychologist from Swan River First Nation with extensive experience in both clinical practice and academia. She has served as a professor, teaching Indigenous Psychology and LifeSpan Development at the University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills. In 2021, Leigh founded Indigenous Psychological Services (IPS), which now has 33 practitioners with offices in Edmonton, Calgary, Sawridge First Nation, and Enoch Cree Nation.

Leigh has been in the mental health field since 2003, beginning her work in northern communities to support healthy choices for Indigenous families. After moving to Edmonton, she spent six years as a clinical supervisor at Night Wind Treatment Center, where she developed a treatment program that honored the Wheel of Change.

As a complex trauma specialist, Leigh is a certified Somatic Attachment Practitioner, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and EMDR practitioner, and is currently training in Indigenous Focused Oriented Therapy. She uses Indigenous trauma-informed techniques that honor the Medicine Wheel, integrating cultural practices into clinical settings. Her work emphasizes the impacts of colonization, historical influences, systemic racism, and oppression.

Leigh honors the Two-Eyed Seeing approach, blending Western and Indigenous perspectives in her practice. Through experiential activities and land-based healing, she demonstrates the importance of holistic approaches and the connection to land as a pathway to healing.

Event Venue

Online