Mamowichihitowin Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Courtesy of Larissa Delorme
Do I need to pay for therapy services?
NO! (usually). Mamowichihitowin offers therapy services that are most often free of charge because we receive different sources of funding in each community. Each funding source has different requirements and sometimes we cannot ensure funding. Your therapist will discuss with you which funding source you will be covered by.
In the very rare circumstance, you do not qualify for funding, there is a fee for therapy which will be discussed with your therapist. However, as a non-profit agency, we do our best to ensure that therapy is accessible and that financial issues are not a barrier for clients to access.
Is my therapist like a friend?
While therapists offer support and care like a friend, it is a different type of relationship:
It is a professional relationship where the focus is on you! This is different from a friendship that goes both ways.
We set goals to help you create change in your life and actively work towards those goals.
Some examples:
Social media – To maintain a professional relationship, we will not connect via social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, etc.). One exception is made for anyone that does not have access to phone call/texts. Facebook Messenger can be an alternative form of communication, but this is strictly using the FB Messenger app and not Facebook itself.
If your therapist runs into you in public, please know that the therapist will not address you first, to maintain your privacy. It is your choice whether you want to acknowledge them or not. It is totally ok not to say hi or acknowledge them.
Is this program only for Indigenous people?
No, our program welcomes all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. Our model uses an Indigenous lens and incorporates Indigenous teachings, however, these teachings are universal to all people. Our therapists find ways to tailor their approach to each unique individual that we serve. When appropriate, we will use specific Indigenous teachings if it is a fit for the person. See the “About us – who we work with” section.
Is this program only for people who have experienced sexual abuse?
No, our program therapists have specialized training to work with people who have experienced sexual abuse, but our mandate is much broader than that. See the “About us – who we work with” section.
What does “long term” therapy mean?
Our program follows a therapy model that was guided by elders. It follows four stages on the medicine wheel.
The first stage (east, spirit) is about beginnings and getting to know you and understanding what goals you want to work on in therapy.
The second stage (the south, the heart) is where we use different tools or interventions to help your process and work towards your goals. Sometimes this includes group therapy.
The third stage in the (west, body) is about bringing together all that you learned into your life and relationships. This might include family therapy.
Finally, the last stage (North/mind) is about maintenance, and this looks different for everyone.
This process can vary regarding length. On average, we estimate that our clients are generally in therapy for approximately two years.
How often do I attend therapy?
This varies depending on your individual needs. Often this means once a week or every other week. You will discuss this with your therapist as you go along. It can also be changed at any time. Regular attendance is important to move towards change/wellness.
Please also consider that we often have a big waitlist of people who want to come into therapy. If you are struggling to make it into sessions regularly, your therapist will:
Work with you to determine any barriers that may be impacting you
Send reminders about your appointment time
If it is an ongoing issue, we may need to talk with you about whether this type of therapy is right for you at this time.
When do we say “good-bye”?
We believe in interconnection and relationships. So, our therapeutic “endings” are different from some other Western approaches to therapy. Endings are collaborative and recognize that even though services end, the relationship remains. Some examples of endings include:
Closing ceremony – when we both agree that the goals you wanted to reach have been reached, the preference is to have a ceremony that honours the work that has been achieved.
Breaks – Other times people feel that they have reached some of their goals but are maybe not quite ready to continue at this time, so either they choose to leave the program fully or take a shorter break where the therapist will check in after an agreed upon time.
Conflict of interest consideration: Sometimes situations arise where the therapist may need to refer you:
If therapist is no longer a good fit for your therapy needs (i.e. lacking training/schedules, etc.)
If we discover any dual roles (i.e. close social connections). Sometimes this can be resolved with an agreement of how to minimize boundary crossings.
The therapist is concerned for their safety (or those close to them) due to your actions (implied or direct) or the actions of those close to you.
Artwork Courtesy of Sheiry Lorimer
Photo Courtesy of Trish Dupuis
Photo Courtesy of Trish Dupuis
Photo Courtesy of Trish Dupuis
Artwork Courtesy of Sheiry Lorimer
Photo Courtesy of Jenni McDonald
Artwork Courtesy of Sheiry Lorimer
Photo Courtesy of Jenni McDonald
Artwork Courtesy of Sheiry Lorimer
Photo Courtesy of Jenni McDonald
Artwork Courtesy of Sheiry Lorimer
Photo Courtesy of Jenni McDonald
Artwork Courtesy of Linda Delorme
Photo Courtesy of Jenni McDonald
Photo Courtesy of Jenni McDonald
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