Jasmine Lancaster-Tasele; A proud Samoan counsellor

Manuia le vaiaso o le gagana Sāmoa | Happy Sāmoan language week

Mālō le soifua,

O lo’u igoa o Jasmine Lancaster-Tasele

Ou te sau mai Levī Sale’imoa, Tafitoala ma Ta’elefaga

Samoan language week is a beautiful reminder of the strength, warmth and wisdom held within Samoan culture. As a proud Samoan counsellor (working in Canterbury), I often reflect on how indigenous or ethnic practices can co-exist in the counselling space with Western therapeutic modalities.

One of the concepts that deeply resonates with me is the vā, or the sacred relational space between people. In Samoan culture, the vā is cared for and nurtured. It represents the way we are in relation to one another, with our families, communities, and within ourselves. In counselling, it is understood that healing is facilitated through connections and relationships.

Feeling seen, heard, safe, respected, and understood without judgement – things that are beautifully reflected in the vā. It is the acknowledgement that space between people matters, that healing is not a journey to be taken in isolation, but is a journey to be shared and experienced in a scared space – in the vā.

In Samoa, we have mats or fala that are laid out and used to sit on. This is a place where the vā is experienced deeply, through connecting, storytelling, conflict resolution, and celebrations. We roll out the fala and invite talanoa (open conversation) of all kinds to take place. 

The metaphor of rolling out the fala, is something I carry with me in my practice. It is a reminder that both my Pasifika heritage, and western therapeutic models, can co-exist in the counselling space, and can work together to best support tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. 

This week in particular, I will be reflecting on the wisdom held within the culture practices of my beautiful Samoa – the rich story telling of our people and the language of our people that speaks in metaphors, symbolism and identity. The language that holds stories, values, identity and connection through many generations. 

The concept of the vā can be simply expressed through the words teu le vā – cherish and care for the relationships between us. When we do this, we create the right conditions for connection, healing, and wellbeing to flourish.

Ia Manuia Le Vaiaso o Le Gagana Sāmoa

Fa’afetai tele lav