Indigenous counselling
Empower your spirit, reclaim your strength
Embark on a journey of healing that honors your unique cultural identity and heritage! Discover a sacred space where your voice is heard and cultural traditions embraced.
Introduction
My name is Katya and I was born in a Central Asian country called Uzbekistan. After several immigrations, I moved with my family to Canada in 2004. Living a nomadic lifestyle all my life, I have always been curious about the Indigenous cultures across the world and their unique connection to the land. This fascination lead me to live with the Marquesan people in French Polynesia, build cobb houses with the Mauri in New Zealand, dance with the headhunters of Nagaland and to wholeheartedly support the First Nations people of Canada.
I will never know what it's like to be an Indigenous person in Canada in the 21st century: living between two worlds and carrying the emotional and intergenerational aftermath of colonization. Yet, I am trying: trying to understand, to learn, to appreciate. I would be honored to support you on your healing journey.
Approach
The Medicine Wheel serves as the foundation of our Indigenous counseling approach. Each direction of the wheel represents a different aspect of the self and offers unique teachings and healing opportunities:
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East (Mental): The East represents the mind and the beginning of new journeys. In our counseling sessions, we focus on clarity of thought, setting intentions, and exploring strategies for personal growth and transformation.
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South (Emotional): The South represents the heart and the realm of emotions. Here, we provide a safe space for individuals to explore and honor their feelings, heal from past traumas, and cultivate emotional resilience.
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West (Physical): The West represents the physical body and the natural world. We offer support for physical wellness, including strategies for managing stress, improving self-care practices, and embracing a balanced lifestyle.
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North (Spiritual): The North represents the spirit and the wisdom of the ancestors. Through the connection to cultural practices, we support individuals in reconnecting with their spiritual roots and finding meaning and purpose in life.
What to expect?
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Culturally Grounded Care: We embody a heartfelt commitment to understanding, respecting, and honoring the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures, histories and healing traditions. We acknowledge the deep wounds of colonization and intergenerational trauma while attempting to foster trust, empathy, and genuine rapport.
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Sacred Space: We create a sacred and culturally affirming space where individuals can feel supported, and honored in their healing process.
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Honoring Tradition: We honor the rich traditions and teachings of Indigenous cultures, providing opportunities for individuals to reconnect with their heritage and ancestral wisdom.
How can therapy help?
Therapy offers Indigenous peoples a safe space to heal from historical trauma, reconnect with their cultural identity, and address mental health challenges with culturally sensitive approaches. By supporting family and community dynamics and promoting holistic well-being, therapy empowers Indigenous individuals to reclaim autonomy and advocate for health equity. Through culturally competent care and a focus on resilience, therapy plays a crucial role in fostering healing, empowerment, and self-determination within Indigenous communities.
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Therapeutic approaches:
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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): rapid approach to healing trauma, utilizing techniques such as eye movements to process distressing memories, trauma and promote emotional resilience.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on accepting what is beyond one's control while committing to actions that align with personal values, fostering psychological flexibility and resilience.
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Internal Family Systems (IFS): therapy views the mind as a complex system of various "parts," each with its own unique perspectives and purposes, aiming to promote harmony and healing by understanding and integrating these internal dynamics.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses negative thought patterns and behaviors, teaching couples to reframe perspectives and develop healthier relationship habits.
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Narrative Therapy: Focuses on understanding and rewriting the stories couples tell about their relationship, empowering them to create a narrative that aligns with their values and goals.
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Gottman Method: Emphasizes building friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning in relationships.
online in British Columbia & Ontario
In-person in Kelowna, bc