We’re pleased to share an important development in the evolution of our work.
Recently, we expanded our Trust Deed to formally include the implementation of research where possible, strengthening our commitment to translating research into real-world impact.
This marks an exciting step forward – and we’re delighted that our first opportunity to support the implementation of research has already arisen through the work of a current Whau Fellow – Professor Bruce Arroll.
Bruce has been exploring innovative approaches to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In his research funded by Whau, he has been trialling Written Exposure Therapy for those affected by trauma at Calder Clinic/Auckland City Mission. Bruce has been seeing huge potential for the roll-out of this therapy, with patients who have completed the study already seeing life-changing results. One participant for example, said he could now speak to his neighbours as he could hold up his head and make eye contact without being burdened by his PTSD.
Whau Foundation is proud to be supporting Bruce early in 2026, working with Collaborative Aotearoa to present an online training day for health practitioners, followed by supervision to learn the key principles of WET, observe the protocol, and build confidence in delivering it safely and effectively. This has huge potential for the treatment and management of PTSD in Aotearoa.
We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this very exciting work.
“It is inspiring to see the impact of this work. One client said that the trauma he had experienced as child took away his mana and by doing the written exposure therapy he was able to take it back” – Professor Bruce Arroll
