Working Within the Cultural Context of Chinese American Families

Abstract

This article focuses on applying a novel approach to address cultural issues in working with Chinese American families. The author proposes that a Multicultural Integrative Family Therapy Approach has special applicability to working with Chinese American families. This approach emphasizes working within the family's cultural context. A brief description of some of the major Chinese American cultural characteristics is presented as well as some of the conflicts that may occur in cultural clashes between Chinese and American cultures. A case example demonstrates how these concepts can be applied in working with a Chinese American family.