what do you need to know? wei-chun “vivi” hua, psy.d. queens psychological association...
TRANSCRIPT
What Do You Need to Know?
Wei-Chun “Vivi” Hua, Psy.D.
Queens Psychological Association 10/18/2015
Working with Chinese Immigrant Individuals & Families in
Psychotherapy
Outline My background: cultural and professional
Background of Chinese immigrants in NYC
Major presenting issues of (undocumented) Chinese immigrants
Cultural differences in therapy
My Cultural Background•Country of origin
• Immigration
• Language
My Professional Background•Gouverneur Healthcare Services (NYCHHC)
• Early childhood center
• SCO Family of Services (foster care)
Chinese Immigrants in NYCOlder generations of Chinese
immigrants Cantonese-speaking
After 1980-1990s: Fuzhou, Fujian Province of China Fuzhounese, Mandarin-speaking A large number w/o documentation Primary population in local, social service
agencies in Chinese community
Major Presenting IssuesA sense of loss
Family & social network: source of support
Use of languageIdentity: majority group → minority
groupPower Resources
Sense of belonging The self is split
Major Presenting Issues (cont’d)Acculturation/adjustment issues
Language Food HolidaysTransportationNavigating new systems
School: parental rights, parent teacher conferences
Legal: “appropriate” parentingMedical
Common Clinical SymptomsDepression: sleep problems, loss of
appetite
Anxiety: heart palpitations, shortness of breath
Anger, explosive behavior
Psychosomatic symptoms
Undocumented Chinese ImmigrantsLate teens and early 20s No or limited work experienceExperience of stressors on multiple
levelsFirst time away from homeTraumatic, circuitous migratory journey Dependent → provider of the family Huge debts to pay off
Development of psychopathology Limited access to healthcare Psychiatric hospitalizations
Stigma about TherapyTherapy is a foreign concept Therapy is for “crazy” people!They come to therapy because
they “have to”Utilization of:
Family or social network Fortune-telling Religion, spirituality: pray, karma,
vegetarian diet
Western Society Based Therapy Much value on info from the client Thoughts and feelingsInner conflictsEarly life history/stories
Cultural Differences in TherapyExpressions
VerbalFeelings and emotions are not a
typical part of daily language Not as consciously and verbally in
tune with their feelings Catch the moment, pause, and ask:
What just came to your mind? Reflect that: You look sad, angry,
confused, etc
Cultural Differences in Therapy (cont’d)
NonverbalGives out more info than verbal Eye contact Head-nodding: attention, not necessarily agreement
Matching of affect Pay attention to nuances in their facial, nonverbal expressions
Cultural Differences in Therapy (cont’d)Pragmatic orientation
Focus on the present and problem-solving: EducationJobBenefits, resources, etcDaily living: transportation, family
activities, etc
Cultural Differences in Therapy (cont’d)Respect for hierarchy/professionals Professional status and title
Dr./Ms./Mr. vs. first namesTeacher – student dynamics
Directive vs. exploratoryLearning, psychoeducationSpecific goals, homeworkLittle questioning: frame-setting
Chinese Families Children
Extensions of their parents and familyTheir success/failure matters to the familyKnow his/her role and obligations within
the family
ParentsLife purpose: to help their children
succeedSelf-sacrifice
Chinese Immigrant Families
Chinese Immigrant Families A case
Child:16 yo Chinese -American female Mother: immigrated to the U.S. in her late 20’s
Involvement w ACSIn therapy:
Validate their different values Help them understand each other’s
perspective Facilitate communication How to move forward? What are absolutely
important for each of them?
