Integration in Hong Kong: A phenomenological Study of Chinese Christian Therapists

Abstract

The voices of other cultures need to be heard in the growing field of the integration of psychology and theology. This study phenomenologically explored the experience of integration for Chinese Christian therapists practicing in Hong Kong. The emerging themes placed the context of integration outside of the Hong Kong culture, with psychology and Christianity as foreign to the Chinese culture. Integration was founded on a dynamic and committed relationship to God. The centrality of relationship with God led to the sharing of personal beliefs with clients as well as encouragement to seek religion in their own lives. The power of theology to meet needs that could not be met elsewhere and provide meaning where none could be found, resulted in deference to the truths of theology.