What Do You Need to Know? Wei-Chun “Vivi” Hua, Psy.D. Queens Psychological Association 10/18/2015 Working with Chinese Immigrant Individuals & Families.

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?

Contact Information

Wei-Chun “Vivi” Hua, Psy.D. vivihua06@gmail.com