Cite as (APA style): Guodong, S. & Hui, C. (2026). An analysis of primary and secondary capabilities in Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy from the perspective of traditional Chinese medical theory. The Global Psychotherapist, 6(2), 110-115 http://doi.org/10.52982/lkj318
Abstract: From the perspective of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) core principle that “inborn essence engenders acquired essence, and acquired essence nourishes inborn essence,” this paper conducts a conceptual theoretical analysis to elaborate the dialectical correspondence between primary capabilities and secondary capabilities in Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy(PPT, the full name of Positive Psychotherapy founded by Peseschkian). Differentiating from general positive psychology, this research tightly anchors Peseschkian’s original PPT theoretical system to build cross-cultural connections with TCM doctrines. Primary capabilities are not only the innate foundation for the germination of secondary capabilities, but also undertake the core function of regulating the balance of secondary capabilities within the PPT theory. In turn, secondary capabilities can nourish and replenish insufficient primary capabilities. This paper systematically supplements basic TCM theories for international readers, enriches the cross-cultural theoretical system of PPT, and combines clinical psychotherapy practice to verify the operability of integrating TCM core concepts, including “inborn and acquired essence” and “unity of form and spirit,” into modern PPT intervention.
Keywords: Positive Psychotherapy, transcultural psychotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, inborn and acquired essence, actual capabilities