Psychotherapy Integration in Modern China

¹ China Medical University, Shenyang, and University of Missouri-Columbia.

Dr. Beitman, Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Three Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65201.

Since the end of the cultural revolution (1966-78), China has opened itself to Western influence and ideas, including those of Western psychotherapy theory and practice. The faster pace of life under the new market economies has been associated with increased psychological problems and a greater need for psychotherapy. Psychotherapy integration, which fits well both with basic Chinese beliefs and the collectivist orientation, is likely to continue to grow in influence and importance in China. Remaining obstacles to the development of psychotherapy in China include lack of psychotherapy skills within the medical profession, lack of potential profit from doing psychotherapy, stigma attached to mental problems by the masses, and failure to define basic requirements for psychotherapy training and practice.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. A. Leung, L. Guo, and M. P. Lam The Development of Counseling Psychology in Higher Educational Institutions in China: Present Conditions and Needs, Future Challenges The Counseling Psychologist, January 1, 2000; 28(1): 81 - 99. [Abstract] [PDF]

				W.-S. Tseng Culture and Psychotherapy: Review and Practical Guidelines Transcultural Psychiatry, June 1, 1999; 36(2): 131 - 179. [Abstract] [PDF]