A self study: The practice of being a White psychologist in an Indian world

This dissertation is a self-study that addresses my work as a psychologist, the impact of self upon client contact and the importance of psychologist awareness in a therapeutic experience. The context of my practice involved primarily, but not exclusively, indigenous peoples throughout Canada. The critical significance of the colonial experiences of First Nations people is a second lens through which my identity as white male psychologist is interpreted. The understanding of personal healing and spiritual growth as a part of the therapeutic experience are uniquely a part of the First Nations peoples and became central to the research process (Duran & Duran, 1995). The research story is not about First Nations peoples rather the impact a white male psychologist carries as privilege into clinical situations. First Nations people informed my practice and challenged me to consider who I was as a psychologist.;As a methodological framework I utilized narrative, story and personal psychotherapy to deconstruct self and interpret clinical practice. Personal development of an individual is highlighted by Northfield (1996) as an important outcome of self-study. By examining my motives, feelings, fears, and interests in relation to my work as a psychologist, I came to a better understanding of myself and, in turn, enhanced my practice and was able to offer insights for others in the "psychologist culture." It became apparent that the white male view of psychology practice did not fit well within First Nations communities and that a typical office based approach would not be effective. Spirituality, understanding white privilege, and alternative approaches in how therapy was conducted were central research findings.