Balancing psychotherapy: A conceptual review

Balancing psychotherapy (BPT), based on Eastern philosophical systems and the theory of balance, is a localized psychotherapeutic approach tailored to the unique psychological characteristics of Chinese individuals. This paper provides a concise overview of the theory of balance. BPT focuses on two core concepts: “mastery of degree” and “coordination of relationship.” Their philosophical foundations, including Confucianism and Yin-Yang theory, and their clinical applications are illustrated. According to BPT, when the intensity of one emotion becomes excessive, it will suppress other emotions and lead to relational imbalances, potentially resulting in psychosomatic disorders. BPT has also been applied to a range of psychological disorders, including depressive disorders, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others. Both individual BPT and group BPT have been implemented in clinical settings and demonstrated effectiveness. The therapeutic steps of BPT are also briefly outlined. In the discussion section, this paper compares BPT with cognitive behavioral therapy and highlights the neurophysiological mechanisms that may underlie BPT. Future studies should further explore the modern neurophysiological basis of BPT to strengthen its scientific validity.