Land and Culture Acknowledgement

At Wholeness by Kerri, I respectfully acknowledge that the land on which I practice is the traditional territory of the Anishinabewaki, the Attiwonderonk, and the Mississauga people. I honor the rich history, resilience, and ongoing contributions of the Indigenous peoples who have lived and continue to live on this land.

I also recognize the significant contributions and enduring struggles of Black and Brown communities in Canada. It is crucial to acknowledge the historical and ongoing harm inflicted by social workers and mental health practitioners on these communities. This includes practices that marginalized and discriminated against Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour (BIPOC), imposed Western approaches to mental health, and often ignored or disrespected traditional healing methods and cultural practices.

As a psychotherapist, I am committed to fostering an environment of respect, healing, and inclusion. I strive to:

• Educate Myself and My Community: I commit to ongoing learning about the history and cultures of Indigenous peoples and Black and Brown communities in Canada, recognizing their contributions and the historical injustices they have faced and continue to face, including the role of my profession in these injustices. Some resources I have found helpful in my education are:

  • Native Land Digital - An interactive map of Indigenous territories, languages, and treaties in Canada.

  • Race Forward - An organization that provides research, advocacy, and training to support racial justice (U.S.-based but relevant resources).

• Acknowledge and Address Past Harms: I am aware of the damage done by past and some present mental health practices to BIPOC communities. I am committed to acknowledging these harms and actively working to improve my practices to avoid repeating these mistakes. I strive to become a more trauma-informed clinician every day through resources like this:

  • Historical Trauma and Microaggressions: A Framework for Culturally-Based Practice - A research article discussing the impact of historical trauma and microaggressions on mental health.

  • College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) Code of Ethics - Guidelines to support ethical practices in psychotherapy in Ontario.

• Promote Inclusivity and Respect: I am dedicated to creating a space where BIPOC clients feel seen, heard, and valued. I welcome all individuals with respect and sensitivity to their cultural backgrounds and experiences. I also acknowledge that not every therapist is right for every person and I am committed to providing referrals where possible and when necessary so I do not endeavor to treat clients who could be better served elsewhere or who simply do not wish to have a white therapist.

  • Cultural Humility: People, Principles and Practices - A documentary that explains the concept of cultural humility and its importance in social services.

  • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) Standards of Practice - Guidelines to ensure culturally competent counseling.

• Support Culturally Relevant Healing Practices: I honor and integrate knowledge and healing practices from various cultures where appropriate and in collaboration with BIPOC clients and communities. I recognize the importance of holistic approaches to mental health that respect cultural traditions and practices.

  • Indigenous Wellness Research Institute - An organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples through research and community partnerships.

  • Healing Justice - A collective that centers on healing and resilience practices for communities of color (U.S.-based but relevant resources).

  • Black Health Alliance - A community-led charity that works to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.

• Respect the Origins of Dance/Movement Therapy: I recognize that dance/movement psychotherapy has roots in the healing rituals, dance circles, and drum circles of various Indigenous and Black cultures. I strive to acknowledge and respect these origins by honoring the cultural significance and traditional practices from which modern dance therapy has evolved.

  • American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) – Cultural Appropriation and Ethics - Guidelines on respecting the cultural origins of dance therapy.

  • Soul and Spirit: Cultural Healing Practices and the Roots of Dance/Movement Therapy - An overview of the cultural influences and traditions based on which dance therapy evolved.

I am committed to taking responsibility for my profession's past and present actions and working towards a more inclusive, understanding, and equitable community for all. If there are other resources you know of, feel free to reach out so I can add them to my library. I am always open and accepting of being called to growth and am always ready to learn more. If you encounter something on my website, this list, or my practice that you find to be incorrect information, please reach out so that I can make changes and continue to improve.