Efficacy of mindfulness-based Taoist embodiment group therapy on depression, anxiety and stress in an integrated community mental health service in Hong Kong: a preliminary exploration

by Chow Chui Yin

Abstract

Existing Taoist psychotherapy often feature indoctrination-heavy formats and hierarchical structures, which can undermine the experiential connection to Taoist principles central to their therapeutic value. This mixed-methods study evaluated a novel, 4-week, mindfulness-based, "Embodied Taoism" group therapy intervention, designed to address these limitations, at a government-funded Integrated Community Centers for Mental Wellness in Hong Kong. The program aimed to mitigate depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms, and cultivate cognitive flexibility, interpersonal connectedness, and Taoist principle integration. The majority of the 29 participants, aged 25-78, had diagnosed mental health disorders, while three were suspected cases. Rather than didactic presentation, the intervention employed experiential activities like mindful tea drinking, calligraphy, philodrama and philosophical discussion to facilitate embodied mindfulness practice and promote experiential understanding of the Taoist tenets such as non-interference, flowing with natural order, and “walking two roads”. Quantitative analysis of pre-post assessments (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21) and qualitative thematic analysis of participant questionnaires and focus groups were conducted. Thematic analysis revealed enhanced personal agency, with participants reporting increased perceived choice and freedom in managing self-concept and interpersonal conflicts. Over two-thirds of the participants experienced clinically significant symptom improvements. Researchers posit the therapists' flexible, non-dogmatic Taoism presentation and emphasis on embodiment of the philosophy facilitated outcomes by enhancing cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation, and interpersonal connection. These preliminary findings suggest that an embodied, experiential approach to Taoist psychotherapy may hold promise for improving mental health. Further research is warranted to replicate and elucidate the intervention's mechanisms and long-term impact.