Ch’i-related exercises as a cultural resource for counsellors’ self-care

Abstract

This narrative study intends to investigate the perceived influence of regular ch’i-related exercises (CRE) on counsellors’ self-care in Taiwan. It adopts a semi-structured in-depth interview method for data generation and employs a narrative analysis approach for data analysis. The core themes emerging from the study were (1) from the experiences of rupture and disconnectedness to the care of the self, (2) CRE as a cultural resource for the permanent care of the self and (3) a new self-view and new relations to others and the world. The findings are discussed from a cultural and holistic perspective of self-care, and the implications for both research and practice are provided.

Keywords:

• ch’i-related exercise (CRE)
• ch’i
• cultural resource
• counsellors’ self-care

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chin-Ping Liou

Chin-Ping Liou is an assistant professor in the Holistic Education Centre and a counselling psychologist in the students’ counselling centre at Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei. She holds a Ph.D. in counselling and psychotherapy from the University of Edinburgh. Her research interests include attitudes towards help-seeking, holistic healing, spirituality and culture, and ch’i-related exercises and counselling practice.