The counselor perspective on the use of directives in counseling in China: Are directives different in China as in the United States?

Abstract

Eight Chinese counselors were interviewed about their use of directives in counseling. They typically believed that directives can be beneficial in counseling Chinese clients. They used directives to extend the influence of counseling beyond sessions, meet client needs and expectations, and fit their own personality and orientation. In terms of conditions that need to be met for directives to be helpful, they identified client factors such as readiness, communication styles, past experience, and insight; the counselor factor of ability to communicate directives; and the therapeutic relationship. They emphasized the importance of clients acquiring a new perspective as a result of directives. Cultural factors in using directives are discussed.

Keywords:

• counselor perspectives
• counseling directives
• Chinese counseling
• cross-cultural difference

Additional information

Funding

Funding. This work was supported by Research Board of University of Missouri Kansas City and the Ministry of Education, P.R. China [grant number 2012BAI36B02]; the National Planning Office of Philosophy and Social Science [grant number 13BSH063].