In my work, the lines between cultural and evidence-based modalities are blurring and fusing. The work itself feels more dynamic, allowing me to engage in multiple spheres of consciousness and address the relationship between lived and imagined experiences. Both areas are important, as they provide insights into different aspects of life. The story lives in both worlds, playing out chapters, plots, and characters that serve a purpose. Integrating the evidence-based modalities

By: Brandon Robbins Since beginning this path in the field of mental health, I would never have thought I would make connections that would join me to my culture of origin and the medicinal practices that come with that way of life. My understanding of what medicine is shifts the more I choose to open up. The more I choose to understand and embrace, the more I grow. Hearing a call, I felt a pull to dive deeper—not only to connect with the culture of medicinal practices that a

What role does silence play in the conversations with elders? Silence plays a significant and powerful role in conversations with elders. It serves several purposes: Reflection and Understanding : Silence allows for moments of contemplation. When you pose the question about what it means to do something in "a good way," the elders' silence signifies their thoughtful consideration of the question and its deeper implications. Expression of Wisdom : The elders' smiles and the in

As I dive deeper into my own spirituality, I find myself entering circles and listening to the elders speak. A phrase I hear often is the act of doing something “in a good way.” To perform acts of ceremony, medicine, and share teachings means to do so in “a good way.” I’m hearing this idea more and more, and I pause to wonder what it truly means for me. I want to do things “in a good way” . But what is that? What makes it good, right, or correct? Since then, conversations hav

Four months into my recovery journey and I’ve been having some awarenesses. I started a routine of curating my memories on social media...

I begin today and try to begin everyday with a choice. How will I experience the day. What is the intention I hope lead with. What do I...

We all have our heroes. Those figures that lit a flame in us when we were young. Those inspiring figures that taught us, that modeled for...

There are those of us that struggle with their addictions. It is not an easy thing to deal with, there are those who would like to...

It is the time of year when friends and loved ones are feeling loss, those who are loved and continues to spark in memory. Only they are...

When I say teaching, these are things that come from the way I have observed the world. I wish i had more special moments with elders,...

Finding myself thinking about - Wisdom- a word, an idea, a philosophy and teaching... How do I grow from this? Taking the lesson of...

A proud moment. A person I was counselling came to me with a severe PTS. An event that occurred in their real life returned in their...

It's not often that I post stories, but I'm proud of this moment. Art: Aakifah Housein A client was telling me about an Art Project they...

I have always enjoyed writing and I've kept a journal for years. Experiences and memories are chronicled as moments of inspiration. These...

A new routine can start as soon as you get out of bed. Choosing how you will meet the day. “Today is going to be a great day and deciding...

My phone is a part of my every day, I have anxiety when I don’t have it at my side. What is equally stressful is opening the texting,...

When you are in the depths of depression finding and breaking out of a habit of being in bed is hard. For most of us, sleeping is best to...

Taking the garbage out is a source of anxiety for many, it becomes so much more when those bags multiply, trying to remember the...

There are those I aim to please. Those I want to be proud of. Parents, friends and peers. Those I love and I crave their acceptance, but...

I found your picture while dusting, it was strange looking at your face. A flood of memories, the times we laughed and held each other in...