Mysteries of the Medicine Wheel
Presented by Joyce Frey, Ph.D.
Recorded on Friday, December 6, 2024
Access provided upon registration on “My Courses” page
The lived experience of Indigenous Peoples is often misunderstood, misdirected, and misrepresented by the mainstream cultures, even though according to the United Nations they currently comprise 6.2% of the world’s total population, or about 476 million people representing 5,000 distinct groups, and speak the majority of the 7,000 languages spoken worldwide. In this series of online presentations, participants will have the opportunity to learn more deeply about important aspects of Indigenous Cultures and gain a new appreciation of their customs and worldviews.
The Indigenous Cultural Explorations series begins with an exploration into one of the ancient phenomenon known as the Medicine Wheel, a sacred symbol representing the knowledge of the universe. Participants will learn about the interconnectedness of psychology, archeoastronomy, astrophysics, geography, anthropology, and theology the medicine wheel represents in an effort to bring harmony into one’s own life.
This introductory session will start by defining who Indigenous Peoples are and what the processes and protocols surrounding their cultural customs entail including the social and cultural applications. This session will then identify the Medicine Wheel as the division of the circle into quadrants of four basic requirements for a bountiful, harmonious, and balanced life; including the mind, spirit, heart, and physical aspect. The circle provides a structural paradigm to serve as a guide for improving one’s comprehension and fulfillment of life in general. A brief self-identity inventory will be provided for participants to establish which of the four quadrants their strengths and weaknesses lie in. Each of the four aspects will be elaborated on and tips on how to incorporate them into your own lives and the lives of clients will be offered.
This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.5 CEs for Psychologists, 2.5 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, or 2.5 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs.
The Indigenous Cultural Explorations series begins with an exploration into one of the ancient phenomenon known as the Medicine Wheel, a sacred symbol representing the knowledge of the universe. Participants will learn about the interconnectedness of psychology, archeoastronomy, astrophysics, geography, anthropology, and theology the medicine wheel represents in an effort to bring harmony into one’s own life.
This introductory session will start by defining who Indigenous Peoples are and what the processes and protocols surrounding their cultural customs entail including the social and cultural applications. This session will then identify the Medicine Wheel as the division of the circle into quadrants of four basic requirements for a bountiful, harmonious, and balanced life; including the mind, spirit, heart, and physical aspect. The circle provides a structural paradigm to serve as a guide for improving one’s comprehension and fulfillment of life in general. A brief self-identity inventory will be provided for participants to establish which of the four quadrants their strengths and weaknesses lie in. Each of the four aspects will be elaborated on and tips on how to incorporate them into your own lives and the lives of clients will be offered.
After attending this introductory-level program, participants will be able to:
- Explain the basic and varied physical structures that comprise the Medicine Wheel concepts.
- Discuss the basic premises for the social implications of the design of the Medicine Wheel.
- Identify and utilize specific strengths and build up areas that need attention, to define central core values in attaining a balanced and harmonious life.
This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.3: Program content focuses on topics related to psychological practice, education, or research other than application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that are supported by contemporary scholarship grounded in established research procedures.
This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 3: Program will allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.
General Admission: $30
Chicago School Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Site Supervisors: $20*
Students: $15*
(*Please email [email protected] for coupon code)
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.
Joyce Frey, Ph.D.
If you ask Dr. Joyce Frey what the secret to success is you will hear one word…DIVERSITY! Whether it’s in the biological world or the realm of psychology, all strengths are derived from the great mixology of nature and the inclusion of different perspectives. It’s the old Gestalt theory for sure! Everything is more than the sum of its parts, and the more diverse they are the more they bring to the table and the stronger the foundation becomes.
Dr. Joyce is a 2016 graduate of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and holds her Ph.D. in International Psychology in the Systems and Organizations track. She describes her degree as: “The study and application of psychological principles and how they influence and shape the world we live in with a primary focus on – inclusion of – and respect for – the unique diversities found in all cultures”. She views her work as an exploration into cultural relevancies, taking a step past the scope of traditional psychology and reaching beyond the hegemony of Western paradigms. Her primary interest is concentrated on the cultures of Indigenous Peoples.
She finds this specific focus one that spans several decades. It began with her love for the Appaloosa horses she raised many years ago, and the discovery of the true nature of the atrocities waged against the Nez Perce of the Pacific Northwest; the Native American tribe that developed them with selective breeding practices. One of the final brutal attacks waged against them culminated in a massive slaughter of the exquisitely bred ponies as a means to demoralize and subjugate the last remaining members of the tribe. Theirs is a story of betrayal and genocide, as is typical of all Native American tribes and First Nations bands in Canada. Although not of Indigenous ancestry herself she has become an ally and advocate for the people she has been so privileged to learn from. She was also fortunate to be acquainted with the people’s warrior, Russell Means of the American Indian Movement (AIM) of the 1970’s and 80’s, and learned even more of the true nature of the plight of Indigenous people; a far cry from the Hollywood stereotypes.
Armed with this history, her dissertation came to life on the Canadian plains of Saskatchewan, with the Plains Cree bands who honored her with their voices and stories. She was given a Spirit Name in a special ceremony that speaks to her history with Indigenous people and her special bond with Appaloosa horses: Tcha Tchak Astim Iskwew (Spotted Horse Woman).
It is from this dual identity that she speaks on a variety of topics in a series of presentations all revolving around the insights, teachings, and world views of Native American and First Nations peoples. This particular series begins with an introduction to the ancient marvels known as Medicine Wheels, and proceeds to include subsequent presentations on Indigenous Research Methodologies, Indigenous Intergenerational Trauma, and Indigenous Intelligence. Retired from 21 years of teaching college psychology and communication courses, she currently devotes her time and energy with a grassroots approach to research, writing, consulting, and speaking engagements. She remains a steadfast supporter of Indigenous Peoples around the globe; and for the health and well-being of all entities who share this precious planet we call home.
She states: “We all travel many roads that intersect with other people and other places, the end result is a finely woven web much like that of the spider’s web which celebrates our diversity and represents the web of life. Each strand is a vital piece that connects us to all the others. Life is, and must be, a work of art that clearly places us all together as one interdependent, continuous life force with respect for all beings, and especially for Mother Earth herself, without which we all perish.”
Frey, J. (2016). Exploring Intelligence from a Plains Cree Perspective: A Qualitative Study (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL., U.S.A.
Grenz, J. (2024). Medicine wheel for the planet. University of Minnesota Press.
Killgrove, K. (2022). Live Science. 7,000-year-old structure near Prague is older than Stonehenge, Egyptian pyramids. Retrieved (2024) from: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/archaeology-news-czech-roundel-older-stonehenge-giza-pyramids-1234640376/
Native Voices. (n.d.) Ojibwe Indian stone medicine wheel. Retrieved (2024) from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/exhibition/healing-ways/medicine-ways/medicine-wheel/images/ob1420.html
Sisk, D. A. (2015). Spiritual intelligence: Developing higher consciousness revisited. Gifted Education International.1-15. Retrieved from http://gei.sagepub.com Vulnerable groups: Indigenous Peoples. (n.d.). un.org. https://www.un.org/en/fight-racism/vulnerable-groups/indigenous-peoples
Walter, M., & Anderson, C. (2016). Indigenous statistics. (2nd Ed.). Routledge.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park. (n.d.) Our Story. Retrieved from http://www.wanuskewin.com/about-us/our-story/
Target Audience: Mental health professionals and students interested in indigenous cultural explorations.
Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods.
Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159
Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036
MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.5 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.
Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.
*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.
If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.