Introduction
This week’s readings and video will introduce you to the practice of healing circles and their importance to Indigenous cultures. As well, you will begin to find aspects of healing circles (and more as the course progresses) that have found their way into mainstream western group counseling practices.
Note: During Week 9, once you have completed the course readings, videos, and most assignments, you will be required to complete Assignment 6 that asks you to identify which circle characteristics have been incorporated into today’s group counselling; and what you might incorporate into a hypothetical group that you may lead one day.
Readings and Resources
Stevenson, J. [1999]. The Circle of Healing. In Native Social Work Journal; Volume 2, Number 1, April 1999, pp. 8-20. Course Reserves
Greg, G., Dickie, B. [2002], Hollow Water, Manitoba, National Film Board of Canada
This documentary profiles the tiny Ojibway community of Hollow Water on the shores of Lake Winnipeg as residents deal with an epidemic of sexual abuse in their midst. The offenders have left a legacy of denial and pain, addiction, and suicide. The community confronts the issue of sexual abuse and the power of healing circles is illustrated in this film.
To access this video off campus, please see Get access from anywhere.
Teaching Restorative Practices with Classroom Circles Course Reserves
This manual supports the teaching of “restorative practices and skills” in the classroom: “to promote responsibility for one’s role in creating and solving problems through authentic dialogue, coming to an understanding, and making things right”.
This manual is an example of how healing circles have influenced counseling groups today. You will not be tested on the content of this manual.
Perspectives from the Field
Not only is group counseling under-appreciated, but so are healing circles in modern group counseling. Acknowledgement for the beginnings of group counseling is seldom attributed to healing circles although I am pleased to see that it is beginning to happen.
Being part of a healing circle is an extremely impactful experience and I encourage all to participate in one, if possible.
I am pleased to say that I have incorporated many of the core processes from the healing circle into my group counseling practices, particularly in my mutual support groups (MSGs).