The Medicine of Coming to Center: Use of the Native American Centering Technique—Ayeli—to Promote Wellness and Healing in Group Work

Abstract

This article provides group counselors a description of Ayeli, a culturally-based centering technique rooted in Native American traditions. Ayeli is a process that allows participants an opportunity to experience and reflect on four crucial elements relevant to wellness from a Native American perspective: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. Clients are encouraged to explore visually, introspectively, and interpersonally how they would like to find greater balance and harmony in their lives along these four dimensions essential for wellness. Ayeli is described as relational, helping group members to find the source of harmony with self, family, community, environment, and the spiritual world.

Keywords:

• centering technique
• multicultural group work
• Native American ceremony
• spirituality
• wellness

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael Tlanusta Garrett

Dr. Michael Tlanusta Garrett, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, is associate professor

Michael Brubaker

Michael Brubaker is a doctoral student

Edil Torres-Rivera

Dr. Edil Torres-Rivera is professor

Cirecie West-Olatunji

Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji is assistant professor

William L. Conwill

Dr. William L. Conwill is assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education at the University of Florida.