Dr Hinemoa Elder on embracing tikanga Māori and changing the mental health sector
Dr. Hinemoa Elder: Transforming Mental Health with Tikanga Māori
Dr. Hinemoa Elder is revolutionizing the mental health sector by embracing tikanga Māori. She discusses with Siena Yates how creativity and connection can facilitate healing.
Redefining Therapy
When we think of therapy, we often picture a clinical setting with a therapist taking notes while we lie on a couch. While this image may be exaggerated by media, it captures the often cold and anxiety-inducing process of seeking professional help. Dr. Hinemoa Elder is changing this narrative from within.
A Unique Approach
Visiting Dr. Hinemoa Elder is not your typical therapy session. Instead of starting with a list of symptoms, sessions begin with a karakia and whakapapa, fostering a human connection and finding common ground. This approach sets the stage for a transformative conversation.
Personal and Professional Journey
For Dr. Elder, this method has shaped both her professional work in medicine and her personal life. Raised in the UK, she experienced a culturally diverse and accepting environment. Her mother, despite advising her to avoid the Māori way to succeed, imparted a strong Māori identity and values.
After her mother’s passing in 1991, Dr. Elder embarked on a journey to learn te reo Māori, reclaiming her culture and identity. Today, she is a proud advocate for her culture and people, using her position to find new ways to heal and care for her community.
Advocating for Change
Dr. Elder has seen firsthand the disparities in healthcare, especially for Māori. Her move into medicine was driven by the desire to address these inequities and provide better care for her people. She emphasizes the importance of standing up for Māori values and using tikanga Māori in her daily practice.
The Healing Power of the Arts
One surprising aspect of Dr. Elder’s work is her focus on the arts. She believes that creativity and artistic expression are essential for wellbeing. As an ambassador for the Auckland Arts Festival, she advocates for the arts as a form of therapy and prevention of ill health.
Research supports the benefits of music therapy, and Dr. Elder has been involved in setting up the Raukatauri Music Therapy Center in Auckland. She highlights the importance of community and the arts in healing, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, visit the Auckland Arts Festival.
