Does psychology as an import from Western culture adequately explain Eastern behaviour. Are its methods of therapy appropriate?

In the West, psychotherapy theories essentially stress autonomous, self-actualisation, and individualism. Chinese societies have different cultural characteristics, such as collective values, the virtue of harmony, and transcending conflict. There are many differences that exist between Eastern and Western cultures. In view of all these and Asian clients’ expectations, the counselling of Asian clients requires a readjustment of the counselling relationship and the counselling process to provide culturally relevant therapy

Every person is affected by his or her own culture so culturally competent psychotherapy is needed for every patient irrespective of his or her ethnic, racial, cultural or socio-economic background.

Culturally competent psychotherapy requires three levels of adjustments for patients of diversified ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Proper technical adjustments are needed in the area of therapist-patient relationships, communications, therapeutic focus, and choice of therapy models. Relevant theoretical modifications are suggested for issues related to the concepts of “self,” body and mind, interpersonal dependency, personality development, defense mechanism and coping. As for philosophical reorientation, suitable attention is indicated for the matter of lifestyle choice, soul and spirituality, and meaning of maturity.

Inner Quest Centre serves as a meeting place between east and west by fusing Eastern philosophy with Western process that integrates several research-based approaches. We provide an approach to learning and living well that bridges the gap between the spiritual, the psychological and the practical which more adequately explain Eastern/Asian  behaviour. It addresses the cognitive, emotional, behavioural, philosophical, somatic, spiritual and the major features of Asian culture, and how they influence counselling practice.