ABSTRACT
Chinese mainland society changed rapidly after 1976 at the end the Cultural Revolution. The Chinese have gradually regained aspects of their traditional culture. This chapter discusses that psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy have been gradually accepted by modern Chinese mental health professionals and patients as an option for dealing with psychic problems, and the relationship between Chinese traditional culture and psychoanalysis. There are three levels of important difference: philosophic level; social level; and psychological level. The basic philosophical ideal of oneness supports the Chinese belief in keeping harmony and peace, and is the most important principle in Chinese society and family, and also in the Chinese mind and heart. The chapter addresses two questions: are there essential conflicts between psychoanalysis and Chinese culture, especially in mainland China? and what would these conflicts mean for the introduction and conduct of psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic practice in mainland China?
