Indigenous Psychology

Honoring Ancient Wisdom in a New Era of Psychology

In August 2025, the American Psychological Association took a historic step voting to reconcile Traditional Wisdom and Psychological Science. With 78% of the Council of Representatives in support, this landmark policy formally acknowledges the parity of Indigenous and other traditional paradigms derived from non-dominant worldviews with dominant paradigms and calls for their integration in understanding human behavior and wellbeing. This long-awaited shift acknowledges what many communities have always known: that healing, knowledge, and wellbeing arise from many lineages, lands, and ways of knowing.

Hear more about INDIGENOUS PSYCHOLOGY in these videos with guiding teacher, Dr. LESLIE GRAY.

Program Overview

This four-part, four-season seminar will serve as an introduction to Indigenous psychology both from an Indigenous point of view and in cross-cultural comparison. It will begin with a broad perspective, examining the role of Indigenous psychology in human evolution. It will feature examples that reveal universalities in the evolution of consciousness while respecting that which is culture-specific. The teaching method will be didactic, narrative and experiential.

Participants can expect to take away a thorough understanding of the ways that the worldview, the model of health, and the values of Indigenous cultures compare and contrast with those of organized nation-states. We will look at the contemporary application of Indigenous psychology to individual, group and environmental problem-solving through narratives, case studies, case consultations and eco-psychological vignettes. Additionally, over the course of the seminar, deep reflection will be encouraged on the four perennial, existential questions: “Who are we?”, “Where are we?”,” What are we doing?”, and “Who’s going to clean up?”.

​Who is this program for?

This program will be of deep value to anyone interested in personal development. It will also be a unique source of highly relevant education for healers and mental health care providers. 

Please email info@braidedwisdom.org with any questions.

Continuing Education Hours

We are excited to offer 30 Continuing Education (CE) hours for health professionals approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) through the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA). In order to receive your CE hours, you must have full participation in at least ten of the sessions, not be more than 15 minutes late, or leave early. A CE Assessment & Evaluation Form will be given to you at the end of the program, and needs to be completed before you receive your Certificate of Attendance, then sent by you to the appropriate agency. A fee of $65.00 for the CE hours will need to be included in your registration. On the last page before completing your registration, please write in $65.00 in the box below where it says, "If you want to receive Continuing Education Hours, please add an additional $65.00 here:"

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe and discuss the key categories of Indigenous Psychology

  2. Describe the deep structural designs in Indigenous healing/curing

  3. Write about the healing practices of Indigenous cultures in an appropriately respectful way

  4. Compare and contrast Indigenous Psychology with Western and Eastern Psychology

  5. Discuss “hands on” psychological practices of different Indigenous cultures

  6. Explain the role of Indigenous Psychology in the evolution of consciousness

  7. Describe and elucidate the key features of Indigenous worldview

  8. Discuss the Indigenous model of health in contrast with other models

  9. Compare and contrast Indigenous values with technological values

  10. Analyze the dynamics operating in traditional healing

  11. Apply insights from narratives of Indigenous shamans to Western psychotherapy

  12. Explain Indigenous psycho-biological techniques of "intrusion" and "extraction"

  13. Demonstrate familiarity with Indigenous pharmacopeia

  14. Discuss psycho-spiritual concepts of "soul" and "spirits" in Indigenous cultures

  15. Analyze inductive & deductive reasoning in "primal thinking"

  16. Compare Western problem-solving and Indigenous biomimicry

  17. Analyze critiques of the field of psychology by Indigenous psychologists

  18. Explain dynamics operating in contemporary blends of Indigenous and Western healing

  19. Evaluate case studies from contemporary blends and predict future developments

  20. Discuss the social psychology of the techno-culture from an Indigenous perspective

Information on Continuing Education for Health Professionals 

  • CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

  • The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.

  • SCA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California. RNs must retain their certificate of attendance for 4 years after the course concludes.

  • For questions about receiving your Certificate of Attendance, contact Braided Wisdom at info@braidedwisdom.org. For questions about CE, contact Spiritual Competency Academy at info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com.

 

Application Process

Thank you for your interest in Indigenous Psychology!

STEP 1: All participants must complete an application to be considered for the program by Sunday, March 1, 2026. 

STEP 2: Your application will be reviewed and you will be notified by Monday, March 9, 2026, along with additional details on how to register.

STEP 3: Upon acceptance, you will have until Friday, March 13, 2026 to register and select your Reciprocity Contribution tier for the program. 

Apply Here
 

2026-2027

Schedule

Saturday Sessions from 1:00 - 4:00 pm PT

Online via Zoom

2026

March 14

April 4 

May 9

June 13

July 11

August 8 

September 19

October 10

November 14

December 12

2027

January 16

February 13

 

Reciprocity Contribution

As we look towards creating a restorative economy, one important way to ensure continued growth and engagement with our communities is establishing a practice of sacred reciprocity contribution. Reciprocity practice welcomes individuals to support the participation of others who may not have the same capacity. We recognize most mainstream events and programs like ours are priced at levels far out of reach for many in our community. As a result, we have made our events and programs accessible to all by inviting participants to enter into a relationship of sacred reciprocity to share support with others on the path. 

Additionally, reciprocity practice helps ensure that our teachers and medicine elders are adequately compensated for their time and effort, supporting their long-term sustainability and livelihood. Working towards a restorative economy requires our intentional practice of addressing the systemic inequities that often result in income disparity for BIPOC teachers. 

Our contribution tiers take these practices into account and we encourage you to consider your own circumstances. Understanding the challenging times, we trust you to attend to your needs and ask you to consider meeting yourself wherever you are financially, with the least amount of harm possible. Please consider contributing according to your ability and to the greatest extent that feels personally meaningful for your situation, with the benefit of others in mind.

 
 
 

Please select one of following tiers of contribution for this program:

Benefactor Tier:                 $1,400

The Benefactor Tier provides an opportunity for individuals with financial means to support access for those with limited resources, enabling broader participation and inclusivity.

Spiritual Friend Tier:       $1,080 

The Spiritual Friend Tier nurtures the sustainability of our program and is designed for individuals who are employed and able to comfortably support their financial well-being while contributing to our shared mission.

Community Builder Tier: $900

The Community Builder Tier offers a reduced rate for those facing moderate financial constraints or barriers. For example, if you are living on a fixed income, are a senior, a full-time student, or temporarily unemployed, this tier provides support to ensure your sustainability during these times.

Financial Support Self-Reflection:

Lastly, no one is turned away for lack of funds. Each program offers a limited number of spots available for those experiencing severe financial constraints or barriers. If you are navigating any of the circumstances shared in the financial support self-reflection below, you are welcome to reach out to Janet at janetr@braidedwisdom.org to set up a 15 minute meeting to discuss. 

  1. My financial situation requires me to live paycheck to paycheck, without a safety net or the option to rely on financially stable or wealthy family or friends for support. I currently do not own any property, nor do I possess investments, stocks, retirement accounts, savings, an emergency fund, or inherited funds. My income solely covers my basic daily needs, leaving no disposable income for additional savings, investments, outings, or entertainment.

  2. I or a member of my immediate family is facing a health crisis that has significantly intensified the financial strain, making it even more difficult to meet our minimum daily needs. As a result, I/we frequently depend on community services and charities for essentials like food and clothing due to these financial constraints.

Thank you for your thoughtful reflection and consideration. We believe liberation is a collective path that thrives on meaningful relationships and mutual sustainability and sacred reciprocity. We appreciate your honest reflection and collaboration to expand these offerings to more beings in our community! 

Refund Policy 

If you’ve had a change of heart-mind and wish to withdraw from the program, we can issue: 

  • a 100% refund if you cancel at least ten business days before the date of the first session in the series 

  • a 50% refund if you cancel 7-9 business days before the date of the first session in the series

Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds if you cancel within six business days or less of the date of the first session in the series. If you wish to cancel your registration, please contact Janet at janetr@braidedwisdom.org.

 

FAQs

  • None.

  • No, Indigenous Psychology is open to all people with any cultural background or spiritual practices.

  • No, you do not need to work in mental health or the healing arts to join Indigenous Psychology.

  • Attendance is highly recommended as classes will not be recorded.

 

Teacher