ABSTRACT
Many changes in the rules governing social life have led to a cascade of unpredictable consequences in China’s highly managed society. As a psychoanalyst and family and couple therapist, the most interesting effects have concerned patterns of marriage and relationships, the shape of family life, and the consequences for the mental health of the families and of their children. China’s battle with poverty and its growing economy, repeated waves of trauma in China, an aging population and the shrinking workforce, all counteracted by an enormous resilience, energy, creativity and intelligence of people who work hard to adapt to every change in circumstances. Psychotherapists, too, in China are thought of as Teachers, so the initial response of many patients is to be compliant and unquestioning. This leads to pent-up resentment, anger and silent misunderstanding.
