Ghost Pipe Podcast
Conversations Decolonizing Mental Health

The Ghost Pipe Podcast is a series of conversations exploring the experiences of both professionals and clients who have encountered colonial bias within the field of psychology. Jolene Thrasher, an Inuk woman, shares her story of unmet mental health needs and how she found healing within an Indigenous context.

Though the need for mental health support is high, the treatment offered is often not a good fit for Indigenous people. The “mismatch” between the mental health needs of an Indigenous person and what is generally offered in counselling and therapy is illuminated by the stories of Indigenous individuals. The conversations shared in the Ghost Pipe Podcast provide a place to hear these stories, highlight existing bias in the field of psychology, and strengthen the call to decolonize mental health care.

Learning Objectives

  • Deepen active and compassionate listening skills
  • Increase awareness about links between colonial violence and mental health
  • Expand understandings about Inuit ways of knowing and being

Lessons

RECOMMENDED FORMAT: Self-directed, Journal Club, Classroom Course
Go to Facilitation Guides

CURRICULUM DETAILS:
Est. total length: 4 hours
Est. 30-45 minutes per Lesson
9 Lessons plus introduction
Hover over each resource button for estimated length.

INSTRUCTIONS: 
  • Download and review the Reflection Questions document.
  • Watch or listen to the Introduction before starting in on the Lessons (here called Chats)
  • The content in the Audio only and Video series are the same. You can alternate between video and audio as you like.

Reflection Questions

Introduction - Audio

Introduction - Video

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Evaluation Form

Click above link to view Additional Resources.

Curious about the title of the podcast?

Ghost (Indian) Pipe is a unique plant with deep spiritual meaning. It plays a complex role in the ecosystem of the boreal forest and indigenous people have traditionally used it medicinally to treat both physical and emotional pain. While its specific effects have varied descriptions, it is generally understood that Ghost Pipe does not numb pain, but helps one get through it. Its supporting role in healing, as well as the delicate balance it maintains in the ecosystem made it a fitting name choice for this podcast.

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Whose Land is it Anyway? A Manual for Decolonization
By Peter McFarlane & Nicole Schabus. 2017 Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC

 

 

Ghost Pipe Podcast - stories about decolonizing mental health

Contributors

Devanee Cardinal
Devanee Cardinal
PROJECT LEAD
Jolene Thrasher
Jolene Thrasher
INTERVIEWEE