Mohi , Simone R.Wilson, Alice2026-06-182026-06-182026https://hdl.handle.net/10289/18378Registered psychologists in Aotearoa New Zealand are required under Te Tiriti o Waitangi to integrate Māori worldviews and culturally responsive practices into their therapeutic work. However, empirical research examining how psychologists operationalise bicultural practice in everyday clinical settings remains limited. This qualitative study addressed two research questions: (1) How do psychologists operationalise bicultural principles in their psychological practice? and (2) What are the biggest challenges psychologists have experienced in engaging in bicultural practice? Semi structured interviews were conducted with 24 registered psychologists, and results were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Eight themes were identified: (1) Prioritising Whakawhanaungatanga, (2) Client-Centred Cultural Responsiveness, (3) Te Whare Tapa Whā as a Fundamental Framework, (4) Cultural Practices Integration, (5) Ongoing Commitment to Preparation and Learning, (6) Fear and Anxiety as Barriers to Engagement, (7) Barriers to Engagement: Bicultural Training and Educational Preparation, and (8) Navigating Practitioner Positionality and Client Cultural Identity Complexity. Together, these findings illustrate how psychologists are actively incorporating bicultural practice across diverse clinical settings while navigating systemic, educational, and personal barriers. Results are discussed within the He Awa Whiria (Braided Rivers) framework, with implications for training, professional standards, and the ongoing development of bicultural psychological practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.enAll items in Research Commons are provided for private study and research purposes and are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.Bicultural practiceMāoriPsychologistsHe Awa WhiriaThesis