Letting a Hundred Flowers Bloom: Counseling and Psychotherapy in the People's Republic of China

Abstract

Although the Chinese have been exposed to Western psychotherapies since the 1950s, the practice of counseling is a relatively new phenomenon. In this article, we trace the development of counseling in China, examine its cultural and practical relevance, and review recent advances in training and practice. Although heavily influenced by Western models, contemporary Chinese approaches to counseling reflect the philosophical traditions, cultural history, and indigenous help-seeking practices of a rapidly modernizing society. The increasing popularization of psychotherapy in China is analyzed in the context of the changing social and economic climate and the crises and opportunities that accompany Chinese life in the 21st century.

Marital Therapy Help-Seeking Attitudes of Young Adults in Mainland China

“…Turning toward parents and respected elders may help to strengthen family ties and provide the young couple with wise counsel, however it may increase worry and emotional strain on these parents, or increase conflict within the family as the marital wisdom of the parent's generation collides with the expectations and beliefs of the younger generation. This potential generational divide on relational issues is now more likely to occur, given the changing family dynamics related to the one child policy (Shi & Scharff, 2008) and to the changing values due to rapid industrialization and modernization (Chang et al, 2005). Therefore, a marital problem in one generation could have implications for treating additional family members other than just the presenting couple.…”

“…At the same time, the PRC has experienced rapid economic and societal changes since the market-economy reforms (Chang et al, 2005).…”

Theory and Practice of Positive Feminist Therapy: A Culturally Responsive Approach to Divorce Therapy with Chinese Women

“…Traditional Chinese clients would be more willing to invest themselves in the therapeutic process and self-disclose when therapists engage in directive counseling behaviors such as interpreting test scores, identifying necessary resources, and offering advice for solving their problems. In support of this, it has been found that Asian-American clients who endorse Asian cultural values reported stronger working alliances with counselors who used directive counseling style, provided concrete guidance, and focused on immediate problem resolutions rather than insight attachment (Chang et al 2005;Kim et al 2002;Li and Kim 2004).…”

Cross-Cultural Counseling: History, Challenges, and Rationale

“…In China, in contrast, there is no highly specific definition of counseling psychology. It is simply viewed as psychological helping (Chang, Tong, Shi, & Zeng, 2005).…”