Psychoanalytic psychotherapy with Asian clients: Transference and therapeutic considerations.

Religion: A Subset of Culture and an Expression of Spirituality

“…For instance, the European is likely to hold a value system of mastery, doing, future orientation, and individualism that influences his or her understanding of religiosity and the experience of spirituality (Fukuyama & Sevig, 1999 in clinical practice, the experiential illusions of culture, religiosity, and psyche help us "being" in therapy rather than overemphasizing "doing", a Westernvalue that rushes to eliminate symptoms. The understanding through cultural framework also helps us to be aware of differences between the Western practice of "working-through" and the Eastern practice of "working-toward" (Epstein, 1995 (Yi, 1995). The Eastern cultures encourage being contained within nature, while the Western cultures seem to encourage the mastery over nature (Nagai, 2007;Yi, 1995 Impersonal Divine and non-dual in nature (Fukuyama et al, 2005).…”

“…The understanding through cultural framework also helps us to be aware of differences between the Western practice of "working-through" and the Eastern practice of "working-toward" (Epstein, 1995 (Yi, 1995). The Eastern cultures encourage being contained within nature, while the Western cultures seem to encourage the mastery over nature (Nagai, 2007;Yi, 1995 Impersonal Divine and non-dual in nature (Fukuyama et al, 2005). In reference to the relational aspect, Eastern cultures use more autoplastic adaptations in order to accept the demands of others in society (Nagai, 2007).…”

Mental Health Issues for Asian Americans

“…Teachers in traditional Asian societies not only are regarded as instructors of technical knowledge but also are idealized as moral exemplars and counselors. Strict neutrality, as promoted by orthodox psychoanalysis, may be perceived as an indication of the therapist's indifference or rejection (65). To demonstrate efficacy and gain credibility, therapists may have to take a more active therapeutic stance, such as by providing structure, giving advice, and acting as advocate when necessary and appropriate (66).…”

The Guijin Therapist and the Nature of Therapeutic Truth: A Relational Perspective

“…In regard to the therapeutic relationship, however, she exhibited only some of the stereotypic behavior anticipated in working with an Asian patient. In contrast to Yi's (1995) assumption that Asians prefer direct advice and guidance, and that the therapist is viewed as an authority figure imbued with power and wisdom, I found Nancy to be aware of and open to a more mutual, co-constructed narrative approach. Rather than quiet, dependent, and lacking in assertiveness, Nancy seemed appreciative of the opportunity to present aspects of her self-functioning which she actively hid from her parents.…”

“…While considerable work has been done to advance our understanding of the transference-countertransference matrix in cross-cultural treatment (Altman, 1993(Altman, , 1995Foster, 1992Foster, , 1996Yi, 1995Yi, , 1998, there still persists a general belief that it is preferable for a patient to work with a clinician from the same cultural or racial background. Not sufficiently addressed in the professional literature are the instances when it is beneficial to be a guijin therapist; that is, a clinician who is outside the client's culture of origin.…”