Aunty Dee
Aunty Dee
- A New Zealand based wellbeing tool to help people cope with stressful life experiences through support with problem solving.
| Aunty Dee | By Le Va |
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Features: This is an online tool that helps you to problem solve. It's called a self-help tool because using simple steps it helps you generate ideas and find a solution to your problem. |
| Country of origin |
New Zealand |
| Clinical review |
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| Security and privacy | Does the app:
Read more about improving your safety and security when using apps. Brochures: |
| Cost | Free |
| How to access the tool |
Aunty Dee is a free online tool that can be accessed on smartphones, tablets and desktop computers. The tool aims to help people work through a problem or problems. By encouraging users to think about, reflect and explore their problems in a structured way, users can proactively find solutions to their problems and then act. Although anyone can use the tool, it is aimed at Pacific Peoples and Māori young people aged 14–25 years. The website also has a library of tips and tricks for some common problems such as trouble sleeping or problems with relationships, friends, health and school. For the complete description, go to the Aunty Dee website(external link) and for a detailed review, see reviews below. 
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
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✔ Easy to use. |
✘ Written format may not appeal to all users. Success depends on willingness to engage with reading and writing responses. |
Clinical review
Reviewer: Kris Garstang, Clinical Psychologist, Life Mind Psychology
Date of review: March 2022
Platform: Website
Comments: Aunty Dee is a structured problem solving tool. It provides a series of easy steps to help generate solutions for hard to solve problems experienced by individuals and whānau. Developed for Pasifika youth aged 14–25 but is useful for all New Zealanders. Users will gain help solving difficult life problems using structured problem solving, a technique from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which takes users through a series of simple steps to solve problems. This technique has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression.
Overall, this is a brilliant website that provides a fun and interactive version of a traditional cognitive behavioural therapy tool. It could be improved further by providing an audio version with provision for verbal responses to be recorded. I have used this app with many of my clients who have found it simple and rewarding to use. It’s adaptation for a Pasifika audience by providing an “Aunty” to share your problems improves engagement for all audiences.
Safety concerns: No safety concerns. Great crisis help options provided in easy to find “Get Urgent Help” page
Brochures
Aunty Dee information sheet(external link) Le Va, NZ
Apps/tools
Aunty Dee interactive tool – LeVa, NZ(external link)
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Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly. |
Factsheets – using health apps safely
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Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ
Privacy and security tips for using health apps
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Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
