Treatment Considerations for Indigenous/First Nations Adopted Young Adults Placed with Dominant Culture Families

Abstract

AbstractThis article reviews the history, cultural features and issues that therapists and researchers need to be aware of in working with and for Indigenous adoptees. It discusses areas to cover in assessment, including awareness of the ubiquity of dissociation in this population, both culturally normal and trauma induced dissociation. Finally, it offers suggestions for interventions drawing from cultural ceremonies, arts/crafts and other traditions, as well as psychotherapeutic interventions based on building a trusting relationship, ego state therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.Keywords: Indigenous/First Nationsadopteeadolescentsyoung adulthood Notes1 The Blackfoot Confederacy consists of four bands. In Alberta, Canada this includes the Kainai (Blood), Siksika (Blackfoot), and Northern Piegan (Piikani); in the United States the Confederacy included the Blackfeet of Montana. Historically, the Blackfoot people were nomadic, living as bison hunters and gatherers on the Great Plains.