A New Zealand based wellbeing tool to help people cope with stressful life experiences through support with problem solving.
Aunty Dee
By Le Va
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.
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 and Maori 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 and for a detailed review, see Reviews.
PROS
CONS
✔ Simple, easy to use interface and layout
✔ Has been co-designed and tested with young Pasifika from across New Zealand ✔ Can email a copy of solutions and plan to nominated persons
✘ Relies on the user having a few ideas on solving a problem. It does not generate any new options
✘ A fair bit of typing is required
✘ This tool is all word based - it does not include other forms of media
Review details
Date of review: April 2018 Platform reviewed: Website
Clinical review
Reviewer: Sharon Moore, Clinical Psychologist, Auckland Date of review: May 2018 Comments: The app is for anyone who would benefit from engaging in problem solving. The app facilitates clear identification of problems/ stressors and the impact these are having on users live; prompts user to identify potential solutions – explores the pros & cons of each and encourages users to identify their preferred solution. The app prompts users to identify the steps that are required to progress them towards their preferred solution in addition to getting them to identify when they will take the next step (towards their goal). Safety concerns: No safety concerns. The terms & conditions are easy to understand; however not everyone will read these.
Clinical review
Reviewer: Jodie Black, Lecturer, Otago Polytechnic Date of review: May 2018 Comments: The app is for people who have a lot of problems or thoughts swimming around in their head and feel overwhelmed or stuck. It helps you take a step by step approach for working through a problem. By getting all the different thoughts and ideas in order, it should be easier to work out what to try next. This website was designed in New Zealand with young pacific people in mind, however it is relevant for all New Zealanders and can be used by any age and any ethnicity. It is a great website for people that like to, or need to, get out of their heads and see the problem and options in an easier to manage way. This website has the potential to help people move forward in tackling their problems. It is built on structured problem solving which is well researched and included in some forms of counselling. Safety concerns: None.
User review
Reviewer: Amy G, Christchurch Date of review: January 2019 Comments: I like how Aunty Dee guides you through identifying what the actual problem is (this alone almost solved my problem!), weighing up the pro’s and con’s, and coming up with the right solution for me. I liked how at the end you can email a copy of everything to yourself (or whanau) so you have notes to help you work on the problem. Nothing to dislike about the app!
User review
Reviewer: Member of the public, Auckland Date of review: December 2019 Comments: Really helped me solve my problem - thank you! I like how simple it is; not one of those apps that tried to do 20 different things for you.
