Application of proverbs in psychotherapy for the Chinese

Examining Chinese proverbs or common sayings as a cultural product is one of the ways to examine the cultural aspects of the mental life of the Chinese. It provides one route to discuss how to provide culture-suitable psychotherapy for the Chinese. After a brief review of Chinese psychology through the review of some proverbs, the application of proverbs for Chinese psychotherapy is discussed in terms of how it will promote communication and improve relationships between the therapist and the patient; help the patient to identify their problems quickly by crystallized key words; and communicate culturally shared value systems for coping with problems. It is advocated that the suitable use of proverbs in psychotherapy will promote culture-relevant communication and therapy for the Chinese patients.