St. Stephen’s College

Searching For Threads of Spiritual Growth Interwoven into Trauma Healing

by

Joyce Mearon

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of St. Stephen’s College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

MASTER OF PSYCHOTHERAPY AND SPIRITUALITY

© Joyce Mearon Fall 2017 Edmonton, Alberta

Permission is hereby granted to St. Stephen’s College to reproduce single copies of this thesis and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. Where the thesis is converted to, or otherwise made available in digital form, St. Stephen’s College will advise potential users of the thesis of these terms.

The author reserves all other publication and other rights in association with the copyright in the thesis and, except as herein before provided, neither the thesis nor any substantial portion thereof may be printed or otherwise reproduced in any material form whatsoever without the author’s prior written permission. 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.

Key words: trauma, spiritual distress, soul wounding, spiritual awakening and transformation

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DEDICATION

To my husband, Richard Norman Gunther

Thank you for all that you do and all that you are

and

To my son, Daniel Richard Gunther

My boy, my friend, my pride and joy

Love you both forever

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Dr. Jane Simington, my thesis consultant and so much more: without you, my life would not be what it is today. Thank you for your assistance, advice and guidance throughout this project. I am truly grateful to the universe for your presence in my life.

Dr. Joan Wagner, my thesis supervisor: your knowledge, guidance and support throughout were invaluable. Thank you for helping me to produce a thesis that I am proud of. Thank you for a Soul Prayer.

Richard Gunther, my husband, lifelong partner and best friend: you and I have journeyed together and created a wonderful life that I would not change for anything. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and love. Thank you for reading and rereading the many iterations of my paper. I could not have done this without you. My heart is yours.

Dan Gunther, my son, editor, and technology expert: thank you for reading and helping to edit my thesis and for your help with the technological aspects – installing the software and answering my frantic phone calls. Your knowledge and skills in these areas were much appreciated. I am so very proud of you and so joyful that you are in my life, my dear boy.

My co-researchers Lily and Linda: I am truly humbled by your willingness to share your stories so generously and courageously. Your contributions have truly enriched this work.

You will always have my gratitude, respect, and admiration.

Rob Smith of Rob Smith Counselling Services: you are a true friend and mentor. Your generosity in o