It’s Not Our Way: Navigating the Principle of Dual Relationships as a First Nation Practitioner

Abstract

First Nations and Eurocentric approaches in the field of psychology and mental health are rooted in different worldviews which creates incongruencies as to what may be deemed as effective standards of practice. This autoethnography describes the experience of a school psychology intern navigating through practice particularly as it pertains to the principle of dual relationships. With a first-person perspective the journey of exploration into this matter brings together the research found in academia and the guidelines formally set as well as the beliefs and values of local community members which were brought forth through a series of interviews and conversations. There are three main themes which arose that are highlighted and they are the embodiment of a spiritual orientation, substantiation of trust and integrity, and obligation to community. These themes explicate the differences in and implications for practice when working with First Nations people, particularly in remote spiritually connected communities. The practice of psychology in and with First Nation people needs to be rooted in their beliefs, values, and customs to be effective, to reflect the experience of Indigenous ways of helping, and to decolonize approaches in the field of psychology.