Counseling in Chicago with Bill Martin, LCSW

Speaking as a therapist with some knowledge and experience in the MKP programs, I applaud MKP and its governing Board of Directors and Leaders for developing a new policy of openness and transparency.

I had a long discussion with the MKP Executive Director and read his press release describing the sweat lodge policies and the new transparency policy.

They offer clear explanations of the purpose, methods, safety precautions, and the efforts of the program to dialogue with Native American people to clarify the intentions of the MKP Sweat Lodge program.
Further, they offer anyone the opportunity to talk at length with anyone from the organization about specific exercises and any and all processes on the weekend.

The frequently asked questions page on their website offers good details on what happens and why.
Having participated in a few of these Lodges, I can say without hesitation, they are safe, do not exploit Native American spirituality, participants are free to leave at any time, and the men who lead this process go through extensive training before they are authorized to lead this part of the program.

While I personally did not like the heat inside the lodge, I did not feel claustrophobic, there was plenty of light to see around, plenty of drinking water was available, and the door was opened often to allow fresh air inside.

I would add that what happens outside of the sweat lodge is very valuable as well. Men are responsible to provide care for any men who approach the lodge.

Often when I staffed, I would go to the lodge area and spend time with the men there who were very affirming, kind, and accepting. They knew exactly what to do…be there, stay connected and remain affirming and non-judgemental.
I long ago began describing the experience in detail to anyone I knew who was considering going to the weekend.

I found that no matter how vividly I described it, most had a very powerful experience and whatever I had said really didn’t matter.

I believe it has something to do with the different ways the thinking brain and emotional brain of human beings process reality, but this is another discussion.
Bravo to MKP for its new policy of transparency.

It’s pretty simple. The research shows us that when people feel discouraged and helpless, they are more likely to become depressed. There are several landmark studies conducted by Martin Seligman and Steven Maier describing the phenomenon of learned helplessness using dogs and the effect of exposing the dogs to unpleasant electrical shocks while in a harness.

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