Community driven healing through music in Wangkatjungka

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are disproportionately impacted by mental illness and suicidality. Support services in Aboriginal populations are likely to be reactive, and there is a lack of well-documented preventative or healing interventions. The co-design of holistic, creative, and community-centred healing projects with First Nations Peoples is needed to improve well-being outcomes and may inform healthcare programs locally and globally.

This talk details mixed-methods Community-Based Participatory Research done in collaboration with a remote Aboriginal community in the East Kimberley desert. A healing through music program was developed by Community members, with data collection developed collaboratively. Community-driven research can be an empowered and respectful way to work alongside communities and draw upon cultural wisdom.

Sponsored by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

About the Speaker

A/Prof Petra Skeffington is a Clinical Psychologist who practices at Cygnet Clinic in Boorloo-Perth and teaches into the Master of Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) courses at Murdoch University. She researches innovative treatments for PTSD and complex or refractory trauma disorder, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies, psychological resilience, crisis intervention, experiences of voice hearing, and the cultural suitability of mental health screens or interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.