Applying Western-Developed Family Therapy Models in China

Abstract

Couple and family therapy increasingly are practiced around the world, using theoretical models developed primarily in Western countries. The degree to which these models are culturally relevant for "importing" into diverse cultures has received limited attention to date. This article describes an analysis of the degrees to which a diverse sample of models (Satir's experiential therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and structural therapy) are relevant for application with families in China, as well as what adaptations would make them more palatable and relevant for Chinese families. The analysis is based on a graduate seminar conducted at a university in Beijing, combining faculty and students from a U.S. and a Chinese couple and family therapy training program. The participants read professional literature, had class discussions, engaged in cross-cultural small group discussions, conducted role-play therapy sessions from a culturally sensitive perspective, and shared personal experiences in their own families and in conducting family therapy in their own country. In this article for each model examined we describe (1) core concepts of the model, (2) advantages and compatibility for working with Chinese families, (3) challenges and cautions for working with Chinese families, and (4) implications for adapting the model. The analysis suggests that Western-derived therapy models have considerable relevance for application with Chinese families but should be adapted to meet the characteristics of Chinese culture.

Co‐constructing family therapy in the Asian Chinese family diasporas of mainland China, Malaysia, Macau, Singapore and Taiwan

“…Within the family therapy field, much has been written about Chinese families as seen through a cultural lens. The focus of such writing has been on Chinese cultural mores such as ‘face’, ‘hierarchy’, ‘harmony’ and ‘filial piety’ (see, for example, De Mente, 2009; Epstein et al ., ; Lee and Mock, 2005; Liu et al ., ; Ma, ; Miller, ; Shek, ; Terry, 2005). Although these themes are useful references and important caveats in clinical settings, they are most useful when the context of larger socio‐economic and political developments of recent decades is taken into account.…”

The development of marriage and family therapy in East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong): past, present and future

“…MFT models have been developed and implemented across the globe (Epstein et al , ; Piercy et al , ; Roberts et al , ), and there is a small literature on the development and status of family therapy in East Asia, specifically Hong Kong (Wong and Ma, ), Taiwan (Chao, ; Chao and Huang, ), China (Miller and Fang, ; Sim and Hu, ), Japan (Narabayashi, ) and South Korea (Lee et al , ). Many of these papers, however, were written a few years ago, and the field of MFT has evolved significantly in this region of the world, even in this short space of time.…”

Closing the Acculturation Gap

“…For instance, unlike United States' cultural norm of individuals maintaining their independence from the age of 18 years until late adulthood, Asian parents expect their children to care for elders until the elderly family member passes away. While Asian children are growing up, the parents expect and raise them to work hard for both their own gain and later contributions to the family and society (Epstein et al, 2012).…”

“…Outside the family structure, hierarchy is reflected in social roles. Individuals are to respect elders, teachers, and experts (Epstein et al, 2012). As clients, East Asian families and individuals will defer to the family counselor and may feel frustrated if the family counselor promotes power equality (Epstein et al, 2012).…”

“…It is parents' duty to train their children to contain their emotions and behaviors (Lieber et al, 2006). This attitude has led many to stereotype Asian Americans as passive and nonassertive (Epstein et al, 2012). From the EAA perspective, many traditional members of this culture view expressing emotions or making one's wishes explicit as a lack of self-restraint.…”