Bron is joined by Beatrice Ng-Kessler (Clinical Psychologist, Schema Therapy Trainer) about working therapeutically with clients from collectivist cultures, and why Western, individualistic models don’t always translate as cleanly as we expect.

They chat about:
👉🏽 How collectivist and individualist values shape therapy
👉🏻 Filial piety, family hierarchy, and unmet needs
👉🏿 Cultural safety, humility, and therapist authority
👉🏾 Working with emotional suppression in schema therapy
👉🏼 Practical ways to build safety without pushing too fast

This episode is essential listening for early-career clinicians wanting to work more thoughtfully, safely, and effectively across cultures.

Guest: Beatrice Ng-Kesler – Clinical Psychologist, Schema Therapy Trainer, founder of the Chinese Schema Therapy Academy

LINKS

• Register for Beatrice's next online workshop on Adapting Psychotherapy for Collectivistic Cultures, scheduled for February 2026!
• More upcoming trainings offered by Beatrice, including training on adapting psychotherapy for collectivist cultures
• Article written by Beatrice, published by the British Psychological Society: Connecting worlds and finding common ground
• Chinese Schema Therapy Academy

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

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Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

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CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja.

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.