Reflecting on my recent experience at the Asian Family Therapy Conference in Shanghai, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the opportunity, which came about almost on a whim. I owe my attendance to David, who encouraged me to go during the last module of my graduate certificate. It felt like a last-minute decision, yet I was ready to dive in. David often speaks about being "infected by the germs of family therapy," and I now truly understand what he means. The energy of the conference, the passion, and the collective drive for bettering family systems across the region were infectious. I felt I had stepped into a world filled with insights, wisdom, and a relentless commitment to growth.
As a new therapist—an infant in family therapy, really—this experience was priceless. Exposure to such a thriving movement and to the people who actively contribute to it transformed my perspective. Each person I connected with had a journey that was distinct, yet there was an unmistakable shared purpose among us all. The diversity of experiences and the dedication to healing families created a vibrant melting pot of insights, all right there in the ballroom in Shanghai.
The three-day conference passed in what felt like an instant. Every speaker and workshop brought something invaluable to the table, layering insights that have stayed with me. David always says, "Get your hands dirty," and after those three days, I returned eager to do just that. The very first workshop on nonsuicidal self-injury was particularly memorable—not just because of the content, but because of the depth of understanding it fostered, particularly being the first of the workshops I had ever attended in a conference. It was one of the many over the three days and in a nutshell, areas often misunderstood were addressed, and through it, I gained a much richer perspective on how to approach such sensitive issues within family dynamics.
Undoubtedly, one of the highlights for me was attending presentations by fellow Malaysians. Seeing their contributions reinforced my passion for this field and my commitment to bring my best to family therapy. Their work brought to light how deeply this resonates back home, and there is so much potential for making meaningful change.
Beyond the academic and professional growth, though, what truly enriched my experience was the laughter and joy shared with everyone I met. Heading to Shanghai, I had no idea what to expect, and I was meeting most for the first time. Yet the quality time we spent together—mostly over delicious, shared meals and Didi rides—became an equally valuable part of the experience. There’s a special warmth in those moments, and it’s something I’ll hold close to my heart.
This conference, my first, opened my eyes to the possibilities in family therapy and the community of professionals working tirelessly to support families. The journey has only just begun and I have a long ways to go, but I left Shanghai with renewed purpose, the “germs” of family therapy truly taking hold, and a newfound appreciation for the connections and laughter that bring even more meaning to this field.
This reflection was written by Jaslin Kaur. She recently completed the Graduate Certification of Family Therapy programme. Click here for more details.
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