Etli Npisimkek Counselling & Consulting Services

I am a Mi’kmaw woman and my home community, Piktukewaq, is located in the beautiful traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people. I am a registered social worker, educator and clinical specialist. I have been providing clinical services and crisis level support throughout Mi’kma’ki for over 13 years including volunteer, not-for-profit, provincial, federal, and now through private practice.

I practice a traditional way of life and I am grounded in a spiritual worldview.

My areas of specialty include supporting Indigenous clients to obtain good health and well-being. I support my clients to identify and work towards their counselling goals. In addition to teaching academically, I regularly customize and facilitate workshops and provide consultation services throughout Mi’kma’ki.

• Clinical services for Indigenous Individuals, families, and couples
• Community crisis support (grief and loss, traumatic and/or crisis events)
• Customised training and workshops for Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, groups and committees on topics of mental health, well-being and Indigenizing/decolonization practice
• Presentations and public speaking

Qualifications:

• PhD Education(c) – St. Francis Xavier University (Current)
• Master of Social Work – Dalhousie University (2017)
• Registered Social Worker – Nova Scotia College of Social Workers
• Registered Clinical Specialist – Nova Scotia College of Social Workers
• Bachelor of Business Administration – St. Francis Xavier University (2010)

I am a fourth year PhD Education Candidate and my home institution is St. Francis Xavier University. My research will explore how the act of reclaiming L’nuita’simk (the Mi’kmaw ways of knowing) and being informs clinical practice and supports good health, healing, and well-being with Indigenous people in Mi’kma’ki.

It is important to advocate for, and, validate Indigenous knowledge systems and honour traditional ways of life by practicing and and preserving teachings, culture, language, stories, ceremonies and so forth. Doing so reconnects us to ancestral memory and promotes a healthy sense of self, family and Nation and heals deep soul wounds caused by colonialism, racism, trauma and oppression. Healing is possible when Indigenous people recall their spirit by re-connecting to such things in meaningful ways.

I strive to teach that trauma is not the defining narrative in the lived experience of Indigenous people; while also acknowledging and educate about the harm experienced by colonialism, trauma, racism and the erasure of our ways of knowing, being. Drawing upon the concept of intergenerational strengths, I demonstrate how Indigenous people continue to overcome things such as trauma, racism and oppression.

I have taught courses for St. Francis Xavier and St. Thomas Universities. I am currently teaching in the School of Social Work at Dalhousie University.

I recognise the need to reclaim and reconnect with Mi’kmaw/Indigenous culture, language, teachings and ceremony to help clients navigate the challenges they encounter in life. Using a trauma-informed and strength-based approach, I incorporate the principles of Etauptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) to provide holistic care, ensuring that treatment plan addresses the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of the individual, group or organisation.

This opens the possibility for a varied and personalized approach to healing. For example, learning to drum a song, going to ceremony, or learning to speak Mi’kmaw may be necessary for healing, and compliment Western approaches to therapy. I do my best to support clients achieve a balanced, holistic treatment plan that works for them.

I don’t proclaim to be an expert; you are the expert in your own life. I see myself as a helper and one who guides the process of soul healing.

Michelle Peters

PhD Ed(c), MSW/RSW, BBA
Etli Npisimkek Counselling and Consulting Services
Clinical Specialist, Educator and Consultant

Piktuewaq Mi’kmaq Nation, Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia)

(902) 759-2839

michellepeters@etlinpisimkek.ca