Gudu-Guduwa: Healing Disconnection Through Incorporating Bush and Animal-Assisted Therapies Into Therapeutic Practice: A First Nations Reflection

As mental health therapists, too often we see outward symptoms of lives impacted by complex trauma. Disconnection from self, others (families and community), and Country is at a crisis point. Looking to our First Nations healing knowledges, the author explores her experiences as a First Nations woman and therapist, and how she incorporates bush and animal assisted therapies into her private practice. Areas that the article touches on include healing on your ancestral Country, healing on Country that is not your own, healing when you do not know where your Country is, and incorporating animal assisted therapies into your healing modalities.