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This study explored Chinese gay men's barriers to counseling services through a basic interpretive qualitative methodology. Twelve participants attended interviews of 40 to 75 minutes in length. The found barriers were rooted in (a) practical obstacles, (b) limited information and worries, (c) cultural impacts, and (d) learned coping skills. The major limitations were from the participants' characteristics. The results can be used to optimize policies aimed at reducing barriers to counseling. Este estudio exploró las barreras que limitan el acceso de hombres gais chinos a servicios de consejería a través de una metodología cualitativa interpretativa básica. Doce participantes asistieron a entrevistas de entre 40 y 75 minutos de duración. Las barreras halladas tenían su origen en (a) obstáculos prácticos, (b) información limitada y preocupaciones, (c) impactos culturales y (d) habilidades de afrontamiento aprendidas. Las características de los participantes causaron las mayores limitaciones. Se pueden usar los resultados para optimizar las políticas orientadas a la reducción de barreras a la consejería. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chinese societies, such as those in Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China, Malaysia, and Singapore, same-sex sexual behaviors have been pathologized, resulting in increased minority stress among Chinese gay men (CGM). Therefore, we attempted to understand CGM's potential clinical issues. Twelve CGM were interviewed and a basic interpretive qualitative methodology was used to analyze the data. Overall, the study separated their clinical issues to individual, couple, family, community, and environmental aspects. We suggest that counselors apply person-centered and Gestalt approaches to create a non-judgmental therapeutic environment and to improve CGM's holistic awareness. We also suggest they undergo relevant training to increase cultural competencies regarding CGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]