Ericksonian hypnotic framework for Asian-Americans.

Abstract

Abstract The underutilization of psychotherapy by Asian Americans appears to be strongly related to cultural factors, which suggests a dire need to broaden the assumptions and pragmatics of traditional psychotherapy to recognize and accommodate the Asian American worldview, values, and communication style and patterns. The Ericksonian framework utilizing “pacing,” giving directives, indirect communication style, and avoidance of overt self-exploration is viewed as being compatible with the asymmetrical nature of relationships among Asian Americans, their indirect communication style, and their expectation for structure and tangible changes in therapy. The adaptation of this approach for Asian Americans is also conceptualized as avoiding direct, premature confrontation and “loss of face” for Asian American clients.