Searching for Threads of Spiritual Growth Interwoven into Trauma Healing

Abstract

This research examines the life journeys of three Métis women in an attempt to discover whether each individual’s healing process from a traumatic experience or experiences brought spiritual transformation, and if so, was that spiritual transformation rooted in a reclaiming of their Métis heritage? Within the broader domain of qualitative research, narrative inquiry was chosen as the most appropriate methodology. Narrative inquiry is a way of understanding experience, a way to create a new sense of meaning. The narratives focus on tragic life events of the three Métis women, the spiritual distress caused by those tragic life events, and the emerging spiritual awakening and reclaiming of their spiritual heritage as they healed. The women also experienced a profound sense of meaning and purpose. This research showed that spirituality was a vital part of the healing process for these Métis women. This leads to a further conclusion that support of the spiritual needs and basic spirituality of the traumatized people they work with is required by mental health professionals.