Decolonizing Pathways towards Integrative Healing in Social Work

by Kris Clarke, Michael Yellow Bird

Taking a new and innovative angle on social work, this book seeks to remedy the lack of holistic perspectives currently used in Western social work practice by exploring Indigenous and other culturally diverse understandings and experiences of healing. This book examines six core areas of healing through a holistic lens that is grounded in a decolonizing perspective. Situating integrative healing within social work education and theory, the book takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from social memory and historical trauma, contemplative traditions, storytelling, healing literatures, integrative health, and the traditional environmental knowledge of Indigenous Peoples. In exploring issues of water, creative expression, movement, contemplation, animals, and the natural world in relation to social work practice, the book will appeal to all scholars, practitioners, and community members interested in decolonization and Indigenous studies.

208 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2022

Reviews

[Madeleine Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read this for a class but it was so good I put it on here because everyone should read it

[Jeff Mohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a piece of scholarly work regarding the importance of decolonizing the profession of social work. Simply said: This book should be read by all social workers.

[Jenna Callaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! I appreciated the emphasis on environmental, cultural and physical parts of health and healing. My one criticism is that I wish the others could have offered some suggestions on incorporating these focuses into micro level practice.