Culture and psychotherapy: Asian perspectives

Abstract

Background: Associated with the improvement of transportation and increase of migration, contemporary society is becoming more multi-cultural. It becomes a clinical reality that culture relevant and effective psychotherapy need to be provided for patients of diversified ethnic and cultural background.

Aims: Based on clinical experiences and a review of the literature, primarily relating to Asian perspectives, it is aimed to elaborate what the issues are that need consideration in modifying the practice of psychotherapy.

Method: Review of relevant literature and the clinical experience of Asian psychologists and psychiatrists.

Results: Culturally competent psychotherapy requires three levels of adjustments for patients of diversified ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Proper technical adjustments are needed in the area of therapist-patient relationships, communications, therapeutic focus, and choice of therapy models. Relevant theoretical modifications are suggested for issues related to the concepts of “self,” body and mind, interpersonal dependency, personality development, defense mechanism and coping. As for philosophical reorientation, suitable attention is indicated for the matter of lifestyle choice, soul and spirituality, and meaning of maturity.

Conclusion: Every person is affected by his or her own culture so culturally competent psychotherapy is needed for every patient irrespective of his or her ethnic, racial, cultural or socio-economic background.

Declaration of interest: I declare that there is no financial conflict of interest relating to the article submitted.

• Culture
• psychotherapy
• Asia