Therapist  

  • Wellington CBD based 

  • Reports to the Director  

  • Full and part time applicants welcome 

Join Us: Therapist at Whakamātūtū, Depression Recovery Trust 

Are you passionate about transforming lives through recovery-focused mental health care? At Whakamātūtū, we provide a groundbreaking 6-week structured day programme designed to support mental health recovery. Rooted in local and international best practices and informed by the lived experience of those who have recovered, our approach is innovative, inclusive, and equity driven. 

Why Whakamātūtū? 

We are more than a programme; we are a community of healing and transformation. At Whakamātūtū, we: 

  • Champion Equity: Committed to removing barriers to mental health recovery for all New Zealanders, particularly Māori and Pasifika, while embedding health equity principles into everything we do. 

  • Embrace Holistic Wellbeing: We incorporate Te Whare Tapa Whā and the Pae Ora Framework, addressing physical, mental, cultural, social, and spiritual pillars of health. 

  • Celebrate Inclusion: Our team prioritises lived experience, cultural safety, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in design, delivery, and outcomes. 

About the Role 

As a Therapist at Whakamātūtū, you will play a pivotal role in guiding tāngata whai ora (those seeking wellness) on their recovery journey. Your work will include: 

  • Facilitating Group Therapy: Holding a safe, supportive space in small group settings alongside a co-therapist, helping participants explore, reflect, and move toward recovery goals. 

  • Individual Support: Managing a caseload of clients and conducting assessments to tailor support during the Pre-Programme stage. 

  • Building Community: Leading morning and afternoon gatherings to create connection, stability, and a sense of belonging within the therapeutic community. 

  • Developing Others: If you’re a lead therapist, you’ll guide and mentor co-therapists, encouraging skill development and growth. 

Your Impact 

  • Be a cornerstone in maintaining a safe therapeutic space, ensuring every whai ora feels supported, heard, and empowered. 

  • Take an active role in service development and improvement, contributing ideas that shape the future of Whakamātūtū. 

  • Bring our values to life every day by embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, Māori models of care, and equity-focused frameworks into your work. 

Grow With Us 

We are committed to your success and development. As a therapist, you will: 

  • Receive regular supervision and mentoring. 

  • Access ongoing professional development to enhance your therapeutic practice and cultural competence. 

  • Be part of an innovative team where your voice, ideas, and contributions are valued. 

Who We’re Looking For 

We’re seeking therapists who are: 

  • Empathetic and skilled in group facilitation and one-on-one support. 

  • Passionate about health equity, recovery-focused care, and cultural safety. 

  • Committed to collaboration and continuous improvement. 

If you’re ready to join a values-driven organisation where you’ll make a real difference, we invite you to be part of our Whakamātūtū team. 

Together, let’s inspire hope and healing. 

Further information can be accessed by contacting Martin Quinn at martin.quinn@whakamatutu.org.nz    

 

How to apply  

Please submit a covering letter and a current CV to martin.quinn@whakamatutu.org.nz  by close of business on 31 January 2025.  

 

Therapist Job Description

Organisation: 

Depression Recovery Trust – Whakamātūtū 

Reports To: 

Director 

 

About Whakamātūtū 

Whakamātūtū is a 6-week structured day programme provided by the Depression Recovery Trust; a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting mental health recovery. The programme integrates lived experience, Hauora Māori frameworks, and local and international best practices to create a safe, inclusive, and equity-focused environment. 

Whakamātūtū prioritises removing barriers to access for all New Zealanders, particularly Māori and Pasifika, and embeds principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural safety, and health equity into all aspects of service delivery. 

 

Position Purpose 

The Therapist will be responsible for delivering evidence-based, recovery-focused mental health services to tāngata whai ora (those seeking wellness). This includes facilitating group therapy, managing a caseload of individuals, supporting community activities, and contributing to the ongoing development of the Whakamātūtū programme. 

The role requires a strong focus on cultural safety, holistic wellbeing, and collaboration to ensure the delivery of high-quality, inclusive care. 

 

Key Accountabilities 

1. Therapeutic Practice 

  • Take clinical responsibility for an allocated caseload, providing individualised and culturally responsive care. 

  • Facilitate group therapy sessions, working alongside a co-therapist to maintain group safety, monitor group dynamics, and guide participants toward therapeutic goals. 

  • Complete pre-programme assessments and contribute to client goal-setting and progress evaluations. 

  • Deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions, adhering to ethical and professional practice standards. 

  • Provide a holistic approach to care, addressing physical, mental, cultural, social, and spiritual wellbeing. 

 

2. Group Therapy 

  • Apply psychodynamic principles to group therapy, supporting exploration of unconscious processes, relational patterns, and group dynamics. 

  • Foster insight, reflection, and shared growth among group members. 

  • Encourage peer leadership and mutual support within the therapeutic community. 

  • Address interpersonal conflicts therapeutically, promoting learning and emotional growth. 

  • Ensure group therapy practices are inclusive, culturally responsive, and aligned with Hauora Māori frameworks such as Te Whare Tapa Whā. 

  • Assess group and individual progress, adapting interventions to meet evolving needs. 

 

3. Community and Team Contribution 

  • Facilitate morning and afternoon community gatherings, fostering connection and shared purpose within the Whakamātūtū programme. 

  • Actively participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, case reviews, and service development discussions. 

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Whakamātūtū programme by providing feedback and recommendations. 

  • Promote and uphold the values, philosophy, and frameworks of the Depression Recovery Trust. 

 

4. Professional Development 

  • Participate in regular clinical supervision, mentoring, and training. 

  • Maintain professional registration, practising within the scope of your Annual Practising Certificate and legal/ethical requirements. 

  • Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance therapeutic skills and cultural competence. 

  • Provide supervision and support to other team members where appropriate. 

 

5. Health, Safety, and Wellbeing 

  • Maintain responsibility for your own health, safety, and wellbeing. 

  • Adhere to Whakamātūtū’s health and safety policies, reporting any incidents or hazards promptly. 

  • Actively contribute to a culture of continuous quality improvement and safe practice. 

 

6. Equity and Inclusion 

  • Embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into everyday practice. 

  • Work in a culturally safe and responsive manner, supporting Māori, Pasifika, LGBTQIA+, and other diverse communities. 

  • Promote the voice of lived experience and integrate it into all aspects of service delivery. 

  • Ensure equity of access, inclusion, and opportunity for all tāngata whai ora. 

 

Relationships 

  • Reports To: Director 

  • Internal Relationships: Whakamātūtū staff, volunteers, and the wider multidisciplinary team 

  • External Relationships: Tāngata whai ora, whānau, Board of Trustees, external stakeholders, and community partners 

 

Key Skills and Attributes 

  • Strong experience in group facilitation, with knowledge of psychodynamic approaches and trauma-informed care. 

  • Demonstrated understanding of Hauora Māori models of care and culturally responsive practices. 

  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

  • High level of professionalism, integrity, and adherence to ethical standards. 

  • Commitment to ongoing professional development and quality improvement. 

  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster trust, safety, and therapeutic relationships. 

 

Qualifications and Experience 

  • Relevant qualification in psychotherapy, counselling, psychology, or social work. 

  • Current registration with an appropriate professional body (e.g., NZAC, SWRB, NZPB). 

  • Experience working in mental health, group therapy, or recovery-focused environments. 

  • Understanding and experience working within Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and equity frameworks.