Helen Lenihan is a highly respected Clinical Psychologist with a career dedicated to Māori mental health, trauma recovery, and holistic well-being. With more than two decades of experience, she has worked in clinical leadership roles across adult mental health, Māori mental health, addictions, and non-profit organisations.
Helen’s practice is deeply rooted in whakapapa and kaupapa Māori, ensuring that her approach integrates compassion (ngākau aroha), connection (whakawhanaungatanga), and safety (marutau). She combines Western psychological models with mātauranga Māori, offering evidence-based and culturally responsive care to whānau.
Currently, Helen operates her private practice, Pōhutukawa Therapy providing psychological services to adults facing complex trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and career-related stress. Helen is registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and is a member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP).
Helen’s Academic Excellence & Professional Training:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc), Biological Sciences – University of Auckland (1995–1998)
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology – Victoria University of Wellington (1998–1999)
- Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology – Victoria University of Wellington (1999–2010)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PGDipClinPsych) – Victoria University of Wellington (1999–2004)
Helen has played a pivotal role in national mental health discussions, workforce development, and policy reform.
- Senior Clinical Psychologist, Waitematā District Health Board (2012–2013) – Māori Mental Health & Addictions Services
- Clinical Coordinator, Waitematā DHB (2010–2012) – Leading community mental health teams
- Clinical Psychologist, Waitematā DHB (2005–2012) – Supporting Māori and non-Māori in community mental health settings
- Director, Kauri Trust (2014–2017) – Focused on mental health equity for Māori
- Private Practice, Pōhutukawa Therapy
Helen has been a strong voice for Māori-led mental health solutions, advocating for kaupapa Māori therapy models that address intergenerational trauma, systemic inequities, and whānau-cantered healing.
“True healing for Māori means combining evidence-based psychology with the deep wisdom of our ancestors.”
Helen is deeply committed to supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, major life challenges, and systemic barriers to well-being:
- ACC Supplier for Integrated Service for Sensitive Claims (ISSC) and Sensitive Claims Service (SCS) – Providing therapy and assessments for survivors of sexual violence
- Workplace Stress & Professional Coaching – Supporting health professionals, judicial and legal practitioners, NZ Police, and St John NZ personnel
- Military & First Responder Mental Health Advocacy – Developing resilience strategies for high-risk professions
Helen’s therapeutic expertise includes:
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MCBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY)
Her work continues to challenge systemic mental health inequities, ensuring Māori receive care that is culturally safe, trauma-informed, and whānau-driven.
“Māori mental health is strengthened when we uplift each other—our well-being is collective.”
Helen remains committed to:
- Expanding Māori-led mental health services across Aotearoa
- Developing trauma-informed therapy models for Māori communities
- Advocating for culturally responsive mental health policies
- Mentoring the next generation of Māori psychologists
Through clinical excellence, cultural leadership, and unwavering advocacy, Helen Lenihan is shaping the future of mental health care for Māori—ensuring that healing is not just about treatment, but about reclaiming mana, resilience, and whānau well-being.
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6 May 2025
