Across Oceans and Into Practice: A Migrant Diversional and Recreational Therapist’s Autoethnography of Belonging, Identity, and Care in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Abstract

This autoethnographic study explores how my immigration journey shaped both my personal identity and my professional practice as a diversional and recreational therapist in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ). Through reflective journaling, storytelling, and critical self-reflection, I examine how experiences of migration, cultural transition, and belonging influenced my deeper understanding of the way I connect with others and deliver therapeutic care within aged care settings. As I navigated unfamiliar cultural spaces and adapted to a new environment, I began to recognise how these experiences deepened my empathy, cultural awareness, and understanding of inclusion in diversional and recreational therapy (DRT) practice. This research reflects on the ways my personal experiences shaped my professional identity and therapeutic relationships. It also highlights the importance of cultural responsiveness, human connection, and reflective practice when working within diverse care environments. By sharing my lived experiences, this study offers insight and encouragement to others working across cultural boundaries and contributes to conversations about identity, healing, and inclusive practice in DRT.