Stepping Into the Circle: Inviting Spirit Through Medicine Wheel Teachings in the Expressive Therapies Continuum (Entrer dans le cercle : invitation de l’esprit à travers les enseignements de la roue médicinale dans le Continuum des Thérapies Expressives)

Abstract

This article explores the intersections between colonial trauma and Indigenous identity as a centralizing factor of Indigenous wellness. Focusing on the Expressive Therapies Continuum theory, this author continues her research on using culturally significant materials and material interaction as a way to honor Indigenous knowledge. Taking a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, this author proposes changing the shape of the continuum from hierarchal to cyclical in order to invite clinicians to reflect on the role of Spirit and cultural identity as important elements when considering wholistic health. Using the teachings of the Medicine Wheel, the body, heart, mind, and Spirit are connected with the somatic/kinesthetic, perceptual/affective, cognitive/symbolic, and creative levels of the continuum.