Abstract
Creating a reciprocal therapeutic relationship within therapy and promoting mental wellness is crucial as it produces feelings of liberation and contentment. This article is based on a study undertaken by the first author with Pacific youth in Auckland, New Zealand, exploring the impact and engagement of a therapeutic programme, Loto Malie (contented heart). This programme grounded mental health tools of therapy within a Pacific context. Preserving Pacific-Indigenous cultures and worldviews aims to improve the overall well-being of Pacific youth, which is central to this research. Therefore, the current study aims to create and explore innovative ways of bettering one’s mental well-being, with the emphasis on weaving culture and spirituality in the engagement and content of Loto Malie. Forty-three participants aged 16 to 29 years attended the Loto Malie sessions. A transformational shift of perspectives in improving their mental wellness was highlighted in the following five key findings, which conceptualised the Loto Malie therapeutic framework. The findings were identified including integrating culture and spirituality (fausiā), strengthening self-discovery (fa’atamaoaigaina), the sense of home and self-fulfilment (fa’amalieina), perception of the content and structure (o mafaufauga loloto) and equipping youth with meaningful and practical tools (‘au’upega o le mafaufau). The findings from this research have revealed significant contributions and newfound insights for improving the well-being of Pacific youth as it explored the Pacific culture in relation to mental health cognition and behaviour. Bridging the gap between mental health tools and the relevance of Indigenous cultural understandings as the main tool is necessary for informing and strengthening psychological practices for Pacific youth.