Research project on culturally adapted therapy for Inuit using virtual reality

Where: Frank B Common Pavilion – 6875 Blvd. LaSalle, Verdun, QC H4H 1R3

Time and duration: 1 to 2 hours a week for 11 weeks (therapy of 1 hour and every 2 weeks, questionnaires on general feelings in life and toward the therapy). The therapy is 10 weeks long. To add to that, there is also a first meeting to explain the project and review the consent form and then a 3-month follow-up (possible by phone).

Compensation: An STM transit pass is provided for the round trip. There is also monetary compensation. It consists of a $15 per hour of therapy, plus an additional $15 for the first and last meetings, due to the questionnaires which are a bit longer (they take on average 30 minutes).

More information about this project

Culturally adapted therapy

Virtual reality (VR) is presented as a tool that can be helpful in practicing skills during the session and is different from the conventional “talking therapies” more seen in the colonial institutions. The “culturally adapted” part manifests itself concretely, and in part, in the fact that the virtual reality reproduces a northern territory, with caribous, a Qulliq (traditional oil lamp), and so on. Adapting to Inuit culture means reducing the emphasis on discussing emotions, thoughts and behaviors, which is common in Western cultures and in conventional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This therapy focuses more on doing and less on talking and is also focusing on emotion regulation, stress management and gradual exposure. “Culturally adapted” is also broader and refers to the notion of culturally sensitive and safe, as well as being neutral to linguistic effects. It’s a process born of the desire to make a fundamentally Western psychotherapy acceptable and beneficial to Inuit, without reproducing colonial dynamics or unintentionally triggering traumatic reactions. All therapists are professionals and had training in handling trauma. Unfortunately, none of them are Inuit, but they have all received training in the anti-oppressive approach and anti-colonial posture.

Inuit involvement

The information above on how the therapy was adapted to Inuit culture comes from consultations with a seven-person advisory committee: five members of the advisory group self-identify as Inuit, and all seven have years of experience working with Inuit in the fields of health, social work or Inuit community services. The two non-natives are a social worker and an experienced nurse who have worked with the Inuit community for many years. The treatment was co-developed with the committee throughout the process.

Two Inuit people who have been involved in setting up the project since its conception are Alisha Tukkiapik (Douglas Mental Health University Institute) and Joy Outerbridge (Ullivik Centre). Olivia Ikey was part of the research team and oversaw recruitment, now has other commitments and unfortunately had to leave the project. The non-native researchers are involved in several research projects with indigenous populations and are genuinely committed to developing a better quality of life in their communities (Liliana Gomez Cardona, Outi Linnaranta and Quinta Seon). We recommend searching online the recent articles published by these researchers if you want to learn more (aside from the article specific to this project that is provided).

Ethics and data ownership

All the data collected and analyzed remain accessible and belong to the Inuit community of Quebec, as is the developed treatment manual and tools used in therapy. The project is made with respect to the guidelines of the National Inuit Strategy on Research (ITK protocol). The data is securely stored under locks and passwords protected. We also issue codes and never use nominal information so that anyone who would consult the data would not know who it is about. All materials and data will not be commercialised and is not for profit. To receive the materials or data, another researcher or organization must make an inquiry to the lead investigator of the project and if that persons or organization is approved by the Inuit advisory committee or Project Knowledge Keeper and respect all the requirements, all material will be distributed.

The project has been reviewed by the Douglas Ethics Committee, the Tri-Council Policy on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving First Nations, Inuit, and Metis in Canada and other committees (see article). Each time the project was modified or amended; the ethics committee had to re-accredit it.

For whom, by whom

The targeted population like previously stated are individuals’ self identifying as Inuk and they don’t have to have lived in the Nunavik (or Nunavut). The person can also have mixed parentage or a mixed cultural background.

This project was not directly mandated, even if the Lead Researchers of the Institute were asked to help with answering the lack of services in mental health for Inuits in Montreal and in Nunavik. This research was dimmed a priority, as our lead researcher was approached directly by some people in the KRG to provide formations on mental health in Kuujjuaq. Sadly, this project was not instigated by Inuits, although some have been part of the project since its conception. The research team and the therapists are different people. It is important as we have different roles, and we want to let volunteers involved in therapy feel that this space is safe and theirs. The research team do not know what is said in therapy and will never ask. The research team keeps in touch with the participants up until 3 months after the study to show continuity in the help we provide. Also, all participants will receive the latest publication regarding the study thanks to the data they helped collect. See article for more information.

Finally, it is with humility and openness that we deploy this pilot project. We realize that, ideally, therapists and researchers should be drawn from the Inuit community. That is why we’re always open to both positive and negative feedback and that we are constantly adapting.

Nakurmiik, thank you,

Read more on this project

For more information, contact:

Roxanne Drainville
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRISP)
roxanne.drainville.comtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
(514) 761-6131 poste 3478