Journeying Through the ‘Mirrors of Possibilities’: Towards Systemic Psychotherapy Decolonisation

Abstract

This paper is in two parts. The first part describes the ‘Mirrors of Possibilities’ approach, a novel decolonised systemic psychotherapy ceremony-like method containing our Indigenous Celtic perspective and consideration of our collective ancient indigenous neurobiological roots. This therapeutic model uses metaphorical mirrors to help clients reflect on their strengths, struggles, emotions, identities and interconnections with the aim of fostering healing, belonging and relational growth. The ‘Mirrors of Possibilities’ process is structured into six distinct phases, and its adaptability is demonstrated with client examples. The paper's second part outlines how, using the ‘Mirrors of Possibilities’, therapists can decolonise themselves and systemic psychotherapy by integrating aspects of systemic family therapy and narrative therapy, compassion-focused therapy, the symbolism of Jungian psychology, the Kinship Indigenous Worldview, the Evolved Nest and feminist decolonial intersectionality. This approach aligns with the Indigenous Celtic concept of ‘Duthchas’—a deep sense of belonging and responsibility that reconnects us to our shared humanity and to our Sacred reciprocal relationship with Nature.