| As the national body representing psychotherapists in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Association of Psychotherapists (APANZ) affirms its unwavering commitment to nonviolence, human dignity, and the promotion of psychological wellbeing. We recognise that violence, whether interpersonal, structural, or political, causes deep and enduring harm to individuals, families, whānau, and communities. From a psychotherapeutic perspective, violence often arises from unresolved trauma, emotional disconnection, and relational breakdown. It is frequently fuelled by powerful emotions such as fear, shame, and humiliation. These emotions may remain unacknowledged or misunderstood. When these vulnerable emotional experiences are not recognised or given safe expression, they can spiral into reactive states such as rage or hostility, which may in turn manifest as violence. This emotional dynamic can be seen not only in individual interactions but also in collective and systemic forms of harm. In many cases, violence becomes a distorted expression of unmet emotional needs or a defensive response to deep psychological pain. As psychotherapists, we witness the profound emotional and psychological toll of violence. We work with those who carry the burdens of harm, including victims, perpetrators, and bystanders. We understand that cycles of violence can be interrupted through reflective processes that support self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relational repair. We also recognise that processes of systemic violence in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally often underpin transgenerational trauma. We consider that addressing the contributors to trauma at a systemic level are also essential to recognition and reparation of collective harm. We acknowledge the unique cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand and the importance of bicultural and multicultural understandings in healing work. We affirm Te Tiriti o Waitangi as foundational and recognise the significance of culturally grounded approaches to trauma, wellbeing, and justice. We also recognise our shared humanity with people across the globe and the universal need for safety, dignity, belonging, and compassionate responses in times of conflict and crisis. We acknowledge that current international conflicts, including those marked by displacement, occupation, and cycles of retaliation, often reflect the re-enactment of unresolved historical and intergenerational trauma. As psychotherapists, we understand how trauma, when unaddressed, can perpetuate patterns of violence, fear, and dehumanisation across generations, genders and borders. In these violent conflicts, we see the psychological dynamics of unprocessed grief, collective humiliation, and chronic insecurity manifesting in devastating ways. We stand firmly against all forms of violence, and we call for pathways to resolution that are grounded in justice, empathy, and the recognition of shared humanity. We advocate for nonviolent responses that attend to the deep emotional wounds underlying conflict particularly those rooted in histories of displacement, forced removal, colonisation, racial and gendered violence, and collective trauma. In making this statement, we reaffirm our professional and ethical responsibility to promote nonviolence, to bear witness to suffering, and to stand alongside those affected by harm, wherever they may be. We offer this statement as a foundation for future advocacy and collective action. This commitment is guided by the values of empathy, integrity, and psychological insight. |
Position Statement on the Impact of Violence and the Role of Psychotherapy – November 2025
Posted on 1 Dec 2025