Is it me or the model or the patient? Learning ISTDP with East Asian patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70839/ajh0m772Keywords:
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, East Asian patients, culture and psychotherapy, therapeutic alliance, transference, superego pathology, clinician reflexivity, cross-cultural psychotherapy, Experiential Dynamic TherapiesAbstract
This reflective clinical article examines the challenges and learnings involved in practising Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) with East Asian patients. Drawing on the author’s experience as both therapist and patient, peer consultation, supervision, and a detailed clinical vignette, the paper explores how cultural factors intersect with resistance, alliance, transference, and superego pathology. It argues that while the core principles of ISTDP remain essential, cultural sensitivity, precision, and therapist self-reflection are crucial for effective application with East Asian patients.
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