Maori voices in the construction of indigenous models of counselling theory and practice : a thesis completed in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University

Abstract

This thesis explores the stories of four Maori counsellors who are employed in Western style organisations. Two 'readings' of participants' narratives are provided. The 'readings' are constructed from two distinct discursive frames, identified as ENGLISH-Maori and MAORI-English. It is proposed that participants' conceptions of self and other are constructed through narratives based in a MAORI-English discursive frame, and that their models of counselling are developed within this discursive frame. It is further proposed that meanings made within this discursive frame are not readily available to 'others' whose constructions of self and other are based in an ENGLISH-Maori or Western discursive frame. This mismatch leads to misunderstandings which impact negatively on the credibility and status of Maori counsellors and Maori models of counselling when viewed from the perspective of Western models of counselling theory, practice and organisation. It is also posited in this thesis that a form of 'sub-textual' communication exists within which Maori meanings are made and conveyed in the English language