Bridging worlds: Integrating Māori health models into psychological practice

Abstract

The clinical literature highlights the importance of incorporating Māori worldviews and Māori-based mental health models into psychological practice to enhance cultural responsiveness. However, empirical research on this topic remains scarce. This qualitative study explored how Māori health models are integrated into psychological practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Twenty-four practising psychologists participated in semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis identified seven key themes: (1) Te Whare Tapa Whā: Still a Foundational Model of Practice, (2) Creative Translation of Theory into Clinical Practice, (3) Culturally Responsive Application & Client-Led Practice, (4) Navigating the Meihana Model: Balancing Utility and Complexity, (5) Impacts of Using Māori Health Models in Practice, (6) Blending Māori and Western Therapeutic Approaches, and (7) Reported Challenges Applying Models. Together, these findings provide insights into the ways psychologists are currently engaging with Māori health models in their everyday psychological therapeutic practice, the opportunities and challenges this presents, and the implications for advancing bicultural psychological practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.