Teach Self‐Awareness and Self‐of‐the‐Therapist in a Chinese Society: A Class Example at National Taiwan University

Abstract

This paper discusses major cultural differences and corresponding teaching strategies when training student therapists in Taiwan about the concepts of self-of-the-therapist and self-awareness in marriage and family therapy. The authors present their years of teaching experience and observations about these cultural differences as well as a class example to address these differences. Specifically, a detailed summary of a master's level course titled 'Self-Development for Helping Professionals' will be illustrated.

International Counseling Values: Recognizing Valued Approaches Identified by International Counseling Professionals Through Qualitative Inquiry

“…This study proposes an adaptive approach to utilizing counseling knowledge is key for adjusting to needs with marriage and family, child expectations, faith integration, indigenous practices, and person-centered safe spaces. The literature highlighted ways in which this process of adapting well can begin with efforts to enhance counselor self-awareness and development (Chen & Hsiung, 2021 ; Hook & Vera, 2020 ).…”

“…Counseling concepts that hold value across cultural expressions may appear differently than expected. Chen and Hsiung ( 2021 ) found that many student therapists in Taiwan were challenged to articulate and operationalize the essence of the self (i.e. self-concept, self-identity, self-actualization), which is a concept that predominates many Western therapy models and classroom settings.…”

“…Several contextual factors influenced the Chinese counseling students’ engagement in self-reflection with a study conducted in Taiwan, including conforming to collectivist values, valuing academic success and filial piety, saving face in relationships, and observing myths about the helping professions (Chen & Hsiung, 2021 ). With awareness of how these tendencies influenced these Chinese counseling students, Chen and Hsjung (2021) discovered that a course on counselor self-awareness and self-care improved Chinese counseling students’ engagement with these concepts.…”