Dejian mind-body intervention

Domain IV · Body-oriented psychotherapy · Agnes S. Chan, Shi Dejian · 2008 · Hong Kong (CUHK) and Shaolin, Henan

What it is

DMBI is a manualised group lifestyle-and-practice programme developed by Agnes S. Chan (Department of Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong) with Grand Master Shi Dejian, a Shaolin monk of the Henan Songshan Research Institute for Chanwuyi (Sanhuangzhai monastery, Henan, mainland China; "Hong…

Format

• No explicit phase model with entry/exit criteria is given in the sources; the manual may contain one. What the sources give is a fixed group format with all four components taught concurrently, plus daily home practice. Reported formats (name the one you follow):
• Brief adult format: 4 weekly group sessions of 90 minutes, community adults with varying depressive mood (compared against CBT).

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• Theory of change, as the authors state it: psychological distress is addressed at its "root" in line with Buddhist philosophy, i.e. by recognising and loosening unrealistic desires and their bodily signs; diet supports physical health; Nei Gong is held to promote the circulation of Qi and blood; and a natural, relaxed attitude is held to keep Qi and blood flowing smoothly (the Chan medical model). Qi, blood…

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve intense or unusual breathing? Have you been told about the medical conditions for which that is not advised?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• Pain or recent shoulder/neck injury: reduce range or do it imaginally.
• Skin conditions, recent facial surgery or nosebleeds: skip. Hygiene in groups.
• Insisting on compliance during a meltdown; offer, model it yourself, and wait.
• Dizziness or poor balance in older adults: offer a chair or a hand on a chair back.
• Empty logs (Section 5); for children, decide explicitly whether the parent or child fills it in (not stated in the source).

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.