Oedipus in China: Can we export psychoanalysis?

Abstract

The author describes experiences gathered during several years of teaching psychodynamic psychotherapy with psychologists and psychiatrists within a 2-year-training programme in Shanghai, China. Questions and problems of the reception of psychoanalysis – shame, sexuality, harmony, abstinence – as well as the possibilities and limitations of exporting psychoanalysis are discussed. The possible future development of psychoanalysis in China is also outlined.

Keywords:

• teaching psychodynamic psychotherapy in China
• transcultural approach
• cultural relativity
• abstinence
• shame
• sexuality
• harmony