Healing Pathways: American Indian Medicine and Art Therapy

Abstract

:This postmodern qualitative ethnographic study explored the position of the Coharie people on holistic practices associated with American Indian Medicine and complementary forms of therapy, specifically art therapy and forms of storysharing. Forty-four participants from four settlements of the Coharie tribe attended a co-created workshop focusing on drawing from observation; mixed media depictions of wellness; and storysharing through oral, written, and visual means. Two postmodern forms of qualitative analysis were conducted to provide a context for analyzing 86 images. Through opening coding and mapping techniques, a 2 x 2 matrix was created to “position” four findings from the study. The “most desirable” position was mindful awareness through sensory integration and the “least desirable” position was lack of awareness of holistic practices among Coharie youth. The primary aim of this study was to co-create a culturally relevant workshop format with the potential for restoring wellness strategies for the Coharie people.