The Experience of Supervising Chinese Students

ABSTRACT

This article describes the author’s experience of engaging with students from China through distance technology. He describes this from his perspective as Dean of a major psychoanalytic Institute, and from his perspective as a supervisor trying to help Chinese students become psychoanalysts. His experience suggests that despite seeming impossibility, it is possible to transcend the seeming obstacles posed by cultural differences and distance technology to establish a learning experience that is rewarding to students and educators.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Neal Spira

Neal Spira, M.D., is a training and supervising analyst and former Dean of the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. He is a clinical assistant professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He has been in private practice for over 35 years, treating adults, children, and adolescents. Dr. Spira is past president of the Chicago Psychoanalytic Society and past Councilor at Large for the American Psychoanalytic Association.