Maori and Psychology Research Unit, University of Waikato
Abstract
Within therapeutic settings, narrative
approaches are increasingly being used as a
way of creating new understandings and
new stories. This paper discusses the use of
purakau as a Māori focused intervention
when working with Māori tangata whaiora
(clients) and their whānau. This paper will
outline the rationale and relevance of using
purakau with Māori. However, the
emphasis is on the training provided to
clinicians in the use of purakau. An outline
of the training process is provided. In
doing so, issues regarding the use of these
taonga (treasures) in clinical psychology
will be raised. It will be argued that Māori
mythology must have a place in the kete of
Māori psychology
