Mieke Matthyssen

Mieke Matthyssen is a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University's Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Department of Languages and Cultures. She also works as project manager for the Huoshen Foundation at the Department of Special Needs Education since 2015, where she focuses on psychophysical activities for young people and their facilitators. Her research spans multiple departments and research units including the Centre for Research on Body Cultures in Motion, CHARM (Consortium for Health Humanities, Arts, Reading and Medicine), and Critical and Comparative Research on Culture.

Her educational background includes a degree in Oriental languages (1998) and a professional bachelor degree in Social Work from Ghent (1994). She completed her PhD dissertation titled 'Nande hutu 难得糊涂 and The art of being muddled' in 2012.

Matthyssen's research interests center on the intersection of Chinese philosophy, psychology, and practical applications for well-being. She investigates how body-oriented practices with built-in reflection components can serve as gateways to greater body awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Her work bridges traditional Chinese thought with contemporary mental health practices, particularly focusing on concepts like 'the art of being muddled' (nande hutu), mindfulness, and the philosophical understanding of fate (ming). She approaches these topics through the lenses of Chinese philosophy, cosmology, and medicine, with applications in youth work, education, and psychotherapy.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent trend of connecting ancient Chinese philosophical concepts to contemporary mental health challenges. Her 2025 publications particularly demonstrate how Daoist practices like 'heart fasting' (xinzhai) can inform modern psychotherapy, while her work on mindfulness interventions shows practical applications for adolescent mental health. She consistently explores how traditional Chinese approaches to ambiguity, vagueness, and strategic ignorance can contribute to contemporary well-being and social harmony.

Throughout her career, Matthyssen has built a substantial publication record spanning Chinese philosophy, mental health education, and cross-cultural studies. Her work shows deep engagement with both theoretical philosophical concepts and their practical applications in education, youth work, and therapeutic settings.

Matthyssen's work with the Huoshen Foundation represents a significant commitment to translating academic research into practical applications. Her approach to working with youth through body-oriented practices reflects her dual expertise in Chinese philosophy and social work. She has developed methodologies that combine physical activity with reflective practice, creating pathways for enhanced self-awareness and emotional regulation among young people.