Considerations for culturally responsive Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Māori with depression

Abstract

A strong case can be made for adapting cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for ethnic and cultural minority groups. In North America, literature is readily available for CBT practitioners wishing to adapt their practice when working with ethnic minority groups (e.g., Latino, African-American, and Native American groups). In other countries such as New Zealand, literature of this sort is scarce, and the empirical foundation for CBT adaptation in these parts of the world is weak. This article documents the core tenets of an empirically validated CBT treatment protocol tailored for individual delivery to Māori clients suffering from depression in New Zealand and developed through consultation with an expert advisory group consisting of senior clinicians and Māori cultural experts. The result is a series of considerations for clinicians endeavouring to provide culturally responsive CBT with Māori clients, who are identified and organised into four domains. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the practical application of the proposed techniques. Links are made to international literature related to the adaptation of CBT in pursuit of cultural responsiveness.