Insight-oriented psychotherapy and the Chinese patient

The applicability of psychodynamic psychotherapy to Chinese-American patients is examined. The interdependent nature of the world of the Chinese "self" is introduced, together with culturally characteristic coping styles. The modifications entailed in conducting insight-oriented therapy with this population are discussed, with particular reference to the content of the therapy and the therapeutic relationship. Clinical vignettes from China and from the Chinese-American community are used as illustration.