Shifting Ethics of Care in Hong Kong

Abstract

Hong Kong has recently experienced waves of socio-political movements that erupted into violent clashes between the police and citizens. Local research publications and surveys have revealed that increased social tension among citizens has impacted mental health. As the public policies in Hong Kong begin to systemically regulate citizens’ expression, relational dynamics began shifting and affecting the therapeutic relationship significantly. Consequently, in the context of Creative Arts Therapies (CAT), there is an urgent need to address the changing ethics of care in Hong Kong to navigate issues of therapeutic alliance, confidentiality, and expression. This article includes an outline of the historical colonial and capitalistic influences in Hong Kong and the challenges in the mental healthcare system. Second, the foundational knowledge is overlayed with the effects of recent socio-political developments and additional policies regulating citizens’ ability to express themselves. The third section explores the stir-fry model, drawing from decolonial, trauma-informed and liberatory approaches to meet the unique challenges of Hong Kong people. This article ends with suggestions for a stir-fry praxis and ethics of care for Hong Kong CAT.