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.