How do Chinese Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Trainees View Their Own Therapy Competence and the Cultural Compatibility of this Therapy for Chinese Clients with Depression in Hong Kong?

Background: There is growing need and demand for the application of and training for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in different cultures. While there are increasing evidences to suggest that CBT is applicable to people of different culture backgrounds, such as the Chinese in Hong Kong, there is a lack of a documentation concerning the training of CBT practitioners of different cultural backgrounds. Aim: This article aimed to document the subjective experience of 20 trainees who undertook our one-and-a-half-year cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) training programme. Method: In-depth interviews were carried out with all of the trainees, and these interviews were transcribed and coded. Results: Content analysis of the transcripts suggests that the trainees had gained an understanding of the CBT framework and felt competent in facilitating clients’ acquisition of adaptive cognitive and behavioural responses. They were less confident in facilitating the modification of rigid dysfunctional rules and values. Many of the trainees mentioned the culturally attuned CBT exercises and worksheets as being useful in helping clients to acquire cognitive and behavioural strategies to handle their distress and depressive moods. With regard to the modes of training, the trainees were particularly appreciative of the live demonstration and coaching. Lastly, these trainees considered CBT to be culturally compatible with Chinese values and with Chinese people’s preference for certain styles of therapy practice. Conclusions: The findings are useful as a reference for developing CBT training for practitioners of Chinese-speaking backgrounds.