Tag: Native American

• Circle Thoughts

  A couple of days ago I found myself engaged in a conversation about the differences in perception and values that define Indigenous cultures and colonial culture. The conversation was focused on attitudes towards community and the land, the presence of the ancestors and spirits, and centrality of oral history. Then someone suggested the main difference…

  Michael Watson PhD

  June 28, 2014

  First Nations, Shamanism, Stories

  circles, Native American, Shamanism, stories

• Inviting Resilience into the Conversation

  Tuesday, Dee Brightstar, Abenaki elder and healer, and I were guests on Moccasin Tracks on WRUV radio. It is always a joy to join Dee for a conversation or ceremony. I thank Deb Reger for inviting us to appear on her program. Here is a link to the edited podcast. Fittingly, given the recent discussion…

  Michael Watson PhD

  June 19, 2014

  First Nations, Healing, Psychotherapy, Shamanism

  Indigenous, Native American, psychotherapy, Shamanism, trauma

• Crucial Conversations

  Yesterday I had a long telephone conversation with a friend who is an elder and medicine woman. She was a friend of Rolling Thunder and other medicine people who have passed. Lately they’ve been showing up in her dreams, speaking with her about the state of the Earth. Some have turned their backs and ridden…

  Michael Watson PhD

  June 15, 2014

  First Nations, Healing, Psychotherapy, Shamanism

  healing, Narrative Therapy, Native American, Shamanism

• Violence Against Women: A Parent’s Plea

  The conversation that developed over Sunday’s Mothers’ Day post left me mulling changes to the status of women and children in Native America. Traditionally, in much of Indigenous North America, Native women were viewed as the healing and creative force in the community; they were the Life-Givers. Women were also the leaders, making decisions for…

  Michael Watson PhD

  May 13, 2014

  First Nations, Psychotherapy, Social issues

  healing, Native American, sexual violence, trauma