For many people across Oceania, it’s still too hard and too expensive to get the mental health support they desperately need. 

 

Oceania is made up of 14 countries and a number of territories across the Pacific. People often divide it into four parts: Australia/New Zealand, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

 

Life can be tough in many parts of Oceania, especially in Pacific Island Countries (PICs) aka Pasifika. Being far from other places, dealing with the catastrophic climate crisis, and relying on world prices that can change fast all add extra pressure. Depression and anxiety, trauma and health issues are high.

 

The annual income of all of Oceania’s nations is very low. 

Pacific island nations are considered Tier 3 countries. 

These are developing nations characterised by lower average incomes, less developed digital infrastructure, and lower overall consumer spending power. There is no Tier 4. 

 

We’ve already welcomed and supported individuals to attend who otherwise would not have had equity of access from the following countries

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- Aotearoa

- Marshall Islands

- Fiji

- Samoa

 

That’s why Brooke Randolph and Dr Roby Abeles created The Brainspotting Oceania Initiative, approved by Brainspotting’s developer, Dr David Grand. 

 

We are based in Aotearoa/New Zealand, rooted in Manaakitanga (care and hospitality) and Whanaungatanga (connection and belonging) and guided by a simple hope: that no one is left to carry healing alone.

 

In 2o26, we expanded to include the very wonderful, Kelly Hodson Whitewood, as the Lead BSP Oceania Trainer for Aotearoa. 

 

Our mission is to invite all who are interested in BSP to have a seat at the table of Brainspotting trainings offered by BSP Aotearoa— to feel nau mai, haere mai (welcome). 

 

In the spirit of Kotahitanga (unity), we aim to learn alongside one another and grow a strong, supportive community of practice across Oceania.

 

When cost is a barrier, we wrap support around participants so they can focus on learning: we cover the training costs, and we assist with travel and visa applications fees so their journey to Hawkes Bay, Aotearoa feels as smooth and supported as possible.

 

Local Brainspotting community members also open their homes for lodging, and all meals are provided while participants are in Aotearoa—so our visitors feel genuinely cared for, or as we say in te reo Māori, ka manaaki mātou i a koutou (we will look after you).

 

We are truly grateful for any financial support you can offer to help this initiative continue. 

Your contribution helps us welcome more practitioners into training, strengthen care across Oceania, and stand together in whanaungatanga.

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ngā mihi nui (many thanks)

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Kelly, Brooke, & Roby