Greetings of the Pacific People

  • Samoa

    Talofa

  • Kingdom of Tonga

    Malo e lelei

  • Fiji

    Bula

  • Cook Island Māori

    Kia orāna

  • New Zealand Māori

    Kia ora

  • Niue

    Fakalofa lahi atu

  • Tokelau

    Mālo ni

  • Tuvalu

    Fakatalofa atu

  • Kiribati

    Mauri

  • French Polynesia

    Ia Orana

  • Hawaii

    Aloha

  • Solomon Islands

    Halo olaketa

  • Fijian Indian

    Namaste

  • Papua New Guinea

    Halo ola keta

  • Vanuatu

    Halo

  • American Samoan

    Talofa

Talofa LAVA,

Being a tamaitai Pasifika (Pacific Islander woman), I have always had a desire to work more closely with those of a Pacific Islander background.

Our people are very resilient and have a lot of strength. Our people also share very common struggles.

Pacific Islander people come from a collectivistic culture, meaning they value the needs of a group or community over the needs of an individual. Together, they bear one another’s burdens; and so to help one individual it would mean helping a family, group or community of people.

Whilst belonging to a group can be beneficial, it can also place limitations on accessing appropriate supports when needed. This is especially so when issues may be considered too shameful to the collective, or taboo.

Pacific Islander People are not exempt from experiencing complex trauma, domestic family violence, anxiety, depression, burnout, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, identity struggles, addictions and chronic health problems. Together we can support one another in breaking the silence on our struggles and improving our mental wellbeing; for this generation, as well as for the next…

O FEsili ma tali

I KNOW THIS PSYCHOLOGIST, CAN I STILL GET SUPPORT?

If you and I know each other personally, I cannot provide psychological support for you. I would be glad to support you in finding appropriate services.

I AM WORRIED THE PSYCHOLOGIST MIGHT KNOW SOME PEOPLE THAT I KNOW?

Your information is very important and confidential. This means that I will respect, protect and maintain your privacy at all times. If you would like to discuss this further, we can do so. There are limits to confidentiality which we will discuss prior to working together.

I am not sure if this will be helpful for me?

You do not have to commit to any long term sessions. You can try one session only and make your decision from there. There will be no contracts or prepayments.

I am interested but I might not be able to pay for sessions?

If you are an Australian resident and have a medicare card, you are entitled to a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). If you have other financial concerns, feel free to reach out and we can discuss this further.

I am under 16 years old, can I still see a psychologist?

Yes, you can access psychological support at any age. As minors are not able to consent to psychological treatment, however, consent is provided by a parent or legal guardian.

The psychologist will provide parents/legal guardians with information that is important for them to know, including if their child is at risk of harm, treatment goals, and general progress. To ensure feelings of comfort, safety and trust, the young person is always informed prior to discussions with their parent/ legal guardian.