Therapy In China

In an article titled “Marriage and Family Therapy with People from China”, Wang and Crane (1994) discuss why most Chinese families do not seek therapy. They talk about why therapists have a difficult time providing services to them. The authors also notes how important it is for therapists to not just assume all people from China are the same in regards of beliefs, culture or social economic standings. This article examines some of the difference beliefs in the families from different parts of China. Wang and Crane offer some advice for therapists on how to proceed with treating people from China. “The Chinese living in the US are mainly form the PRC, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam” (Wang and Crane, 1994, p.27). People from the PRC have trust issues due to their past experiences so it takes therapists awhile just to get the families to trust them. People who are from Hong Kong are more directed towards business and need to see results immediately. The people from Vietnam were very wealthy before having to come to the US. They have to start all over which is a major stressor in their lives. (p.26-27) Wang and Crane (1994) warns therapist to not assume if a person from China who has lived in the US for years or a short time know how to speak English or have adapted to their new …show more content…
Therapists should research their clients’ culture before conducting a therapy session. They also noted that using structural and behavior therapy models usually work best when working with Chinese clients. They urge the therapist to make sure to take the time to explain what therapy entails and confidentiality. Wang and Crane notes how important it is to not rush to establish a relationship with the clients in order to obtain the clients trust. If the therapist does not take time to gain the client’s trust the client will not return.