Do you find there’s something missing in your relationships at work?
Are you concerned about your connection with colleagues and senior leaders?
Has a role in leading others presented more challenges than expected?
Does work seem devoid of intrinsic value and meaning?
Group Details
Group Schedule:
40-Minute Pre-Group Individual Session (May 4-5, 2024)
Prior to participation, each candidate will participate in a free 40-minute individual consultation with the group facilitator to understand motives, desired outcomes, and to address any questions participants might have regarding group work.
Group Sessions
May 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, June 6th and 13th (Thursdays, 1900-2100)
Location: 798 area, Beijing
Group Size: 6-9 adults
Language: English
Fee: 2480rmb for all 6 sessions and the pre-session interview. No refund.
Registration:
1) Get in touch with Achor Therapy;
2) Fill out the intake form;
3) Pre-participation interview;
4) Payment and confirm of registration
Life in China for international professionals is unique in many ways, often holding elements of excitement and adventure alongside unexpected hurdles and hardships. Language barriers can often hinder effective communication, making it difficult to build rapport and establish meaningful connection with Chinese colleagues. Moreover, cultural differences in workplace norms and practices can easily lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Additionally, professionals might face challenges in adapting to a fast-paced and competitive work environment, where long hours and intense pressure to perform are the norm.
Chinese professionals with prior experience working in international settings may find comfort in working close to home and within a familiar environment, but also perceive stark operational differences and cultural expectations unique to professions in China. While exposure to Western work culture provide them with valuable skills and perspectives, they may find themselves grappling with the need to reconcile their experiences abroad with the traditional beliefs and practices prevalent in Chinese workplaces. Moreover, returning Chinese expatriates may face skepticism and resistance from colleagues who perceive them as having become too “Westernized”, leading to potential challenges in building trust and credibility within their teams.
This brief six-week multi-cultural group provides international and Chinese professionals with a confidential and exploratory space tailored to examining workplace relationships. In these sessions, we’ll delve into the intricacies of interpersonal dynamics within professional settings, fostering an environment of curiosity to analyze your experiences, gain valuable insights, and develop strategies for navigating these challenges. Together, we’ll search for underlying factors that shape your relationship to work, with the goal of clarifying new pathways toward greater fulfillment and satisfaction in your career.
Additionally, due to the interconnected nature of relational patterns, you might intuitively make connections to life outside of work, using this dialogue as an opportunity to share and reflect on who you are as a whole. Group members can expect to reach a deeper awareness of their reactions to professional life in China, as well as their own interpersonal styles of coping and making relational connections. Through the influence of group dialogue, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals facing similar struggles, sharing perspectives and resources that encourage resilience and inspire breakthroughs.
Topics may include meaning, relationship conflict, culture shock, moral uncertainty, isolation, and issues of satisfaction and belonging.
Potential Outcomes
Drawing upon my expertise as a psychotherapist and extensive experience in cross-cultural settings, I provide a unique blend of cognitive-behavioral and dynamic perspectives to empower you on your path toward personal and professional growth. Based on our work within a valuable community of peers, you are likely to:
Build a deeper awareness for relating to others and explore whether these tendencies also contribute to both successes and challenges in the workplace.
Foster a stronger sense of curiosity toward your unique style of interpersonal connection.
Experiment with new ways of communication that may expand your ability to manage relationships.
Relieve pressure by saying the unsaid in a secure and professional environment.
Who Should Attend?
Chinese and international adults drawn to engaging in a series of group dialogues aimed at addressing professional challenges, experiences, uncertainties, and aspirations.
Group Requirements
Members are required to be on time and committed to participating in all 6 in-person group sessions. Additionally, each individual will sign a contract which outlines confidentiality and group communication.
Group Facilitator
Taylor Hamilton is an American psychotherapist practicing in Beijing. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chinese from the United States Naval Academy. Following graduation, Taylor served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy. During his decade of service, he worked extensively with foreign navies and governments throughout Northeast, Southeast, and South Asia.
In 2017, Taylor left the US Navy to pursue a master’s degree in psychology at Tsinghua University. He received his clinical training from the Tsinghua University Center for Counselling and Psychological Development, working with both individuals and groups during a two-year clinical internship. Currently, he offers psychotherapy for adults and adolescents at Anchor Therapy. Taylor provides care for range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, cross-cultural challenges, interpersonal conflict, identity, and suicidality.
