Beyond Survivorship: Achieving a Harmonious Dynamic Equilibrium Using a Chinese Medicine Framework in Health and Mental Health

SUMMARY In working with clients who are experiencing major difficulties in life, the more traditional, psychopathology-oriented approach is often content with symptom reduction and adaptive functioning. This article proposes that therapists can aim higher, going beyond survivorship. Inspired by Chinese medicine's holistic model, the authors develop the Eastern body-mind-spirit approach with the primary therapy goal being the facilitation of harmonious dynamic equilibrium within oneself, as well as between oneself and the natural and social environment. To achieve that, multimodal interventions are employed, including vitalizing body work, such as simplified Tai Chi and Qigong exercises, acupressure, body scan, breathing meditation, and mindful tea drinking and eating, as well as vibrant mind and spirit process, such as the acknowledgement and acceptance of impermanence and unpredictability, regaining self-control by letting go of control, the appreciation and affirmation of life, the fostering of loving k...