Restoring Mana and Taking Care of Wairua: A Story of Māori Whānau Healing. Issue 1 (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: NiaNia, Wiremu; Mana, ; Rangi, ; Bush, Allister; Epston, David
• Other Names: Clement Lisa guestEditor.; Shelley Glenise guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Australian and New Zealand journal of family therapy. Volume 38:Issue 1(2017:Mar.)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Māori -- Samoan -- healing -- whānau -- family therapy -- indigenous; Family psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Family psychotherapy -- Australia -- Periodicals; Family psychotherapy -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; Family counseling -- Periodicals; 616.89156
• DOI: 10.1002/anzf.1205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0814-723X

Abstract

Abstract : Wairua (spirituality) is a central focus in indigenous Māori healing. This article describes Māori healing with a Māori and Samoan family told from the viewpoints of the teenager presenting with depression and suicidal thoughts; her mother; the Māori healer; and the Pākehā (New Zealand European) child and adolescent psychiatrist involved. While elements of the treatment intervention may resemble Western family therapy approaches, the essence of the Māori healer's approach is all about wairua. During the session he explains concepts of mana (spiritual authority), mauri (life force), and tapu (something sacred or forbidden) and the importance of taking particular care of these aspects when a young person may have finely tuned spiritual awareness. In his discussion he outlines how aroha (love) strengthens the mana of the whānau (family), contributing to the healing this young person experiences. These concepts are common to many Pacific cultures and are widely recognised as important components for family healing. With indigenous families for whom spirituality is of paramount importance, successful resolution of family problems may require indigenous spiritual healing approaches. Partnerships between indigenous healers and family therapists or other mental health workers provide an opportunity for indigenous families to benefit from the healing expertise of both indigenous and Western traditions.