The Path of Good Medicine: Understanding and Counseling Native American Indians

The article discusses the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of native American Indians. While walking in the Smoky Mountains one brisk fall day, an elder medicine man came upon a young Indian man sitting on the ground. He asked the young man why he was sitting there like that, sensing that the young man was troubled by something. The young man replied that he was sitting there because he did not know which way to go. The article author believes that one should not separate the person from the spirituality or from affiliation with the tribal group. These aspects may very well be central to how Native American Indian clients view themselves and define their world. They honor this sacred relationship by being open and respectful. It is always important to recognize the relative nature of value judgments such as right or wrong and good or bad. If counselors come first as students, and second, as professionals, they might be surprised at how much growth would take place by members of both worlds. Native American Indians view the respected person as one who acts in the most friendly, generous, considerate, and modest way.