Joanna Browne
Manager Psychological Services Christchurch Women’s Prison, Department of Corrections, New Zealand, Ara Poutama Aotearoa
Jo Browne is a Clinical Psychologist at Christchurch Women’s Prison, where she leads a multidisciplinary team delivering treatment within a therapeutic community. This work brings together psychological interventions, cultural activities, reintegration support, and wrap-around services.
Jo has worked in the New Zealand correctional system for more than 20 years as a psychologist, practice leader, and manager, both in National Office and in regional roles. She also maintains a small private practice specialising in therapy for people who have experienced sexual trauma.
Across her career, Jo has contributed to the full spectrum of psychological services in Corrections, but her passion lies in working with women and with Māori in culturally innovative and holistic ways. She believes that offence-related treatment is most effective when embedded within whole-person care, an approach that strongly aligns with Te Ao Māori perspectives on wellbeing.
Jo co-designed the Kimihia programme, led the development of the women’s service at Christchurch Women’s Prison, implemented the first Kimihia programme, and opened the first therapeutic community for women in Corrections. She is particularly committed to approaches that recognise the vital role women play as caretakers of the next generation, and to ensuring that treatment is grounded in meaningful cultural practice and wrap-around support.
