| This study examined the treatment experiences of 12 Southeast Asian and Non-Asian clinicians who have worked or currently work with clients of Chinese descent in outpatient community mental health settings throughout the Bay area. Each clinician had worked with at least three clients of Chinese descent for more than six months or if less than 6 months, with cases in which there was progress in treatment. The study focused on the integration of cultural factors into counseling strategies which were assumed to promote successful treatment. Cultural factors mentioned by the 12 clinicians as important considerations in treatment were level of acculturation, therapy setting, language skills, family roles/involvement, shame and stigma, self-disclosure, cultural awareness, authenticity, and ethnicity and race of a therapist. Seeing clients of Chinese descent in the home setting, Asian language skills and ethic/racial match of client and therapist were mentioned specifically as having a positive effect on outcome. The information provided by the clinicians can be a useful tool in understanding and working with clients of Chinese descent. Specific clinical implications are discussed. |
