| This study examined Chinese American therapists' perceptions of the understanding of psychotherapy by foreign-born Chinese Americans. Two focus groups were conducted with 7 Chinese American therapists working in California community mental health clinics in Oakland (n=4) and San Francisco (n=3), respectively. A semi-structured interview format was used for the focus group discussions. Following the general inductive approach of qualitative data analysis, 10 factors that influence foreign-born Chinese Americans' perception of psychotherapy were identified: misconceptions about psychotherapy, expectations of psychotherapy, role of therapist, role of client, shame and stigma, somatization, Chinese cultural values and beliefs, alternative healing methods, helpful interventions, and helpful tips for incoming new clients. Findings from this study are consistent with previous research that foreign-born Chinese Americans are more reluctant to seek mental health services than U.S.-born Chinese Americans or European Americans due to their adherence to Chinese cultural values and beliefs, shame and stigma with mental illness, use of alternative healing methods, and lack of understanding of the concept of psychotherapy. This study's findings also suggest some helpful interventions for working with foreign-born Chinese Americans such as psychoeducating clients and their families about the concept and process of psychotherapy, outreach in the community and collaborating with primary care physicians. |
