Family therapy is getting a lot more attention in China recently, and it is exciting to see how it is used to help with mental health issues. This growing interest was evident at the recent AAFT conference, where about 900 participants attended this annual conference. It is impressive to see so many Chinese mental health professionals come together with international participants to learn and share their findings. Family therapy is beginning to take root in China. Interestingly, for instance, they even trained the police to use the Satir approach when dealing with conflictual couples and families at the police stations!
At the Shanghai most presentations tend to focus on statistical data and theoretical approaches rather than empirical systematic reviews or meta-analyses comparing the efficacy of clinical findings of family therapy. The majority of the presentations consist of socio-demographic figures, the principles and applications of various family therapy techniques, specific concepts in family therapy, case studies, and qualitative research findings. I am hopeful that in the next 5-10 years, there will be a paradigm shift, with family therapy experiencing significant growth in Asia with more impactful papers.
In the Asia Pacific society and predominantly a collectivistic society, I have seen how family therapy resonates deeply with the cultural values and must be considered a primary treatment modality. Family therapy fits naturally into this framework, as it focuses on the whole family rather than just the individual.
In my paper on culture, I presented using a multigenerational family therapy framework so as to appreciate the intergenerational issues that impact on the family system. I like the idea of a change in one system impact on the other system. Professor Maurizio Andolfi highlighted the idea, “family is the best medicine” for any childhood problems.
As I reflect on my journey as a therapist, in particular, “the self of the therapist” I have realized how important to reconcile my own family of origin and addressing unresolved issues has shaped and contributed to how I practice. Learning family therapy has not only deepened my understanding of the dynamics within families but also helped me confront and address my impasses. These moments of self-awareness and healing have been transformative.
Family therapy has this incredible way of connecting the personal with the professional. By reflecting on my own family experiences, I have become more sensitive to the challenges my clients face. I have learned to balance trusting my “guts”, using my head and my heart more in therapy.
The Shanghai AAFT Conference have provided the opportunity to expose me to the art and craft of family therapy. There is so much richness and variety from all the papers that were presented. I feel immense gratitude to David Hong for bringing family therapy to Malaysia —it is a gift that has opened doors for so many of us to transform our practices and the lives of those we work with. I also feel incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to learn from Professor Maurizio Andolfi, Master Family Therapist.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibility of contributing to the field by publishing papers on family therapy. Sharing insights and experiences feels like a meaningful way to give back and help grow this important field in our region. I believed family therapy will grow exponentially in the next 5 to 10 years. I enjoy being part of the family therapy social network, and attending international conferences provides great growth opportunities. Family therapy is no longer just a method for me—it is a lifelong path of learning, connection, and growth.
This reflection is written by Dr. Selina Ding, a distinguished Malaysian clinical psychologist with decades of clinical experience. She is the Honorary Treasurer for MyMFT (2023-2025). Dr. Selina Ding has completed the Graduate Certification and Advanced Diploma of Family Therapy programme. Click here for more details.
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