Indigenous Culturally Safe Pathway
Culturally Safe Care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples
You may be eligible for our Culturally Safe Psychotherapy services, available to those living in both urban or reserve settings.
About The Program
What services we provide:
Individual psychotherapy sessions where a therapist walks alongside you to better balance different areas of your wellness, incorporating elements such as the Medicine Wheel or the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
How we provide them:
Psychotherapy is where you talk with a trained professional to better understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. The goal is to develop better balance to help you manage life’s challenges and improve your holistic wellbeing. The Culturally Safe Pathway brings together Indigenous ways of knowing and being with Western approaches (like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT).
Who we deliver care to:
Individuals ages 18+, who reside in York Region, South Simcoe, North York, North Etobicoke, and Malton and identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
The program focuses on relationship building, safety, and high-quality care. We deliver a flexible and adapted way to access psychotherapy, enhancing the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program to meet the needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis People.
The Turtle represents the teaching of “Truth.”
Truth is a foundational principle in the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Truth is not only a moral compass but a pathway to healing and authenticity. To live in truth means to acknowledge all that has happened to us and all that we have done—embracing honesty as a prerequisite for healing and for living mino bimaadiziwin, the good life.
In this design, the Turtle is central, symbolizing the creation story and the interconnectedness of all life. Its steady presence reminds us that truth underpins existence and guides us toward balance and wellness. Florals and plants emerging from the Turtle’s back illustrate how truth carries life, growth, and renewal. These elements reflect the harmony between living beings and the land, reinforcing the teaching that wellness is rooted in honesty and respect for all relations. The circular composition ties the design to the medicine wheel, emphasizing wholeness and balance across mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical dimensions.
– Art by Marissa Indoe, Anishinnabe artist from Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation in Ontario Canada
How Our Therapists Support You
Our team consists of Indigenous CBT therapists, and CBT therapists who are allies and advocates.
Our approach:
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Rooted in culturally safe, trauma-informed care
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Strengths-based and narrative approaches to moving through trauma, anxiety, low mood, stress, and feeling disconnected
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Emphasis on connection, trust, safety, and balance
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Two-Eyed Seeing, “Etuaptmumk” (Mi’kmaw Translation): incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing and being with Western approaches such as CBT
Our team works with you on your journey towards mental wellness.
Our Partners
The Culturally Safe pathway was developed collectively with the OSP CMHA Indigenous Advisory Circle, with representation from the following organizations.
Click Below to Learn More
If you or someone you know is interested in the Indigenous Culturally Safe Pathway, please reach out to us. Our team is here to provide more information, answer any questions, and connect with you when you need it. You have the choice to be called or book your appointment online to start the discussion.
