Recent qualitative research conducted in metropolitan Perth and the Kimberley region of
Western Australia has highlighted major gaps in service delivery to Aboriginal clientele
suffering depression and suicidal ideation (Vicary, 2002). Seventy Aboriginal people were
interviewed about their beliefs and attitudes towards mental health, western psychology and

In a follow-up to an earlier study we decided to interview a number of religious
healers and ascertain their views on mental illness. A sample of ten healers-Hindu, Muslim
and Christian-were interviewed at length. In addition, jive sites of healing were visited and
various religious rituals observed. The general emphasis in care is on a pluralistic holistic

Objectives: This paper will present the findings
from a qualitative study exploring the narratives of
Indigenous counsellors in Native community.
Design: The study employed a qualitative design.
Semi-structured narrative interviews were used and
analyzed through a narrative methodology.
Methods: One Native community health agency