The person-centred approach in Aotearoa New Zealand: a critical examination of a settler psychology

Abstract

This article examines how the person-centered approach (PCA) became established in Aotearoa New Zealand, and draws parallels between how a Western psychology lands and settles and the process of colonization. Utilizing a critical methodology of both written records and oral history, the article documents the process of 'first contact' of Rogers' ideas, followed by the later 'settlement' of client-and person-centered influences through churches and ministry, marriage guidance, and relationship counseling, and the tertiary education sector. Drawing on the results of a contemporary survey, the article reflects on the limitations of the current practice of person-centered therapy, and of therapists influenced by the PCA. The article concludes with a challenge to the approach to adapt to be more culturally responsible, relevant, and responsive, particularly to the indigenous Māori people of the land. L'Approche centrée sur la personne en Aotearoa Nouvelle-Zélande : Un examen critique d'une psychologie coloniale Cet article examine comment l'Approche centrée sur la personne (ACP) s'est établie en Aotearoa Nouvelle Zélande. Il dresse des parallèles entre le processus de colonisation et la manière dont une psychologie occidentale débarque et s'implante. En utilisant une méthodologie critique d'enregistrements écrits et d'histoires orales, l'article documente le "premier contact" avec les idées de Rogers, suivi par "l'installation" des influences centrées sur le client/ la personne au travers de l'église et de son ministère, de l'accompagnement au mariage, du counselling en matière relationnelle et du secteur tertiaire de l'éducation. Sur base des résultats d'une enquEAte actuelle, l'article pose ensuite une réflexion sur les limites de la pratique actuelle de la thérapie centrée sur la personne et des thérapeutes influencés par l'ACP. L'article se conclut par un défi E0 l'approche de s'adapter pour EAtre davantage culturellement responsable, pertinente et adaptée, particulièrement envers le people indigène Maori du pays.

Person-centred psychotherapy

“…This was the culmination of a five year journey which had the aim of bringing the person-centred and experiential world to Aotearoa to see and understand what we do and are trying to do here with regard to bicultural engagement, and to let the small person-centred and experiential community here see what the international community has to offer. Part of this journey in organising the conference entailed a lot of conversations, and another part took the form of some intellectual work -including Ioane andTudor (2017), Haenga-Collins et al (2019), Tudor and Rodgers (2020), Rodgers and Tudor (2020), Rodgers et al (2021), and Tudor (2021) -which, we hope, will provide some basis for further conversations and new and enhanced ways of thinking about what an approach that centres on the-person-incontext might offer.…”