Standards
I respect the time, effort, and vulnerability of those I work with and am therefore committed to the highest standards of ethics and practice.
qualification
I am a registered health coach with HCANZA. I have 30 years of experience in this field, a BA in Psychology (Massey), PGDip in Health Psychology (Vic) and am presently doing a PhD in Health Psychology with Victoria University of Wellington.
ethics
I completely agree with and will comply with the Code of Ethics For Psychologists Working in Aotearoa/New Zealand (click to download).
These core principles are:
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Respect for the Dignity of Persons and Peoples
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Responsible Caring
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Integrity in Relationships
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Social Justice and Responsibility to Society
These are the standards I will bring into every encounter during my work.
culture
In order to consider our diverse cultural experiences in relation to working together, I am seeking to appreciate and apply Kaupapa Māori principles drawn from the sources below. We can explore and learn more from these guidelines as we work together.
Durie, M. (2001). Mauri ora: The dynamics of Maori health. Oxford University Press.
Pākehā Treaty Action. (1997). Pākehā clinical psychology and the Treaty of Waitangi. In H. Love & W. Whittaker (Eds.), Practice issues for clinical and applied psychologists in New Zealand (pp. 147-157). New Zealand Psychological Society.
Te Marae Atea / The Domain of Space
Respect of personal boundaries
Whakawhanaungatanga or making connections
Tangata Whenua / The Domain of Mind and Earth
Māori identity and whakapapa
Links to land
Pacing
Pace session to allow culturally relevant process to take place
Māori notions of time may differ from European notions
Use of narrative / metaphor more applicable than direct approach
greeting
Use appropriate touch where relevant
Personal space boundaries may differ to non-Māori
Extra ‘space’ may be required in initial sessions
Attempt accurate pronunciation of name and other details
Ngā Tikanga / The Domain of Time
Respect of personal boundaries
Prioritising and allowing sufficient time
Whaikōrero / Waiata / The Metaphorical Domain
Indirectness
Use of metaphor / narrative
Tapu / Noa / The Domain of Safety
Importance of kai / food / nourishment
Importance of pronunciation
subject matter
Māori process may be different to non-Māori
May be necessary to take advisory position, as opposed to a directive position
spirituality
Spirituality is important for many people – ascertain applicability and pertinence
Tapu and noa may have relevance, so be prepared to respect related processes
Koha / The Domain of Reciprocity
Personal disclosure
Tauparapara / Karakia / The Domain of Interconnectedness
Connection to spiritual domain
Meaning derived from similarities
family background
Enquire about whakapapa
Talk about iwi, hapū and marae if possessing relevant knowledge (whakawhanaungatanga)
Talk about whānau and whether important they are involved