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- Title
Learning and Supervising Psychodynamic or Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in Malaysia: What Are the Patients' Cultural and Socioeconomic Differences Significant for Consideration?
- Authors
bin Abd Malek, Akramul Zikri
- Abstract
Due to its history and tradition, psychodynamic psychotherapy naturally favours the ideals and worldview of the West. Adapting to cultural sensitivity and therapeutic approach would improve treatment acceptance and efficacy in the East. Psychodynamic psychotherapy emphasises a level of independence and individualism, i.e., celebrating personal growth and success, which often clashes with the collectivistic values of many non-western populations, placing importance on the interconnectedness of the family unit and community. Group achievement, unity and conformity are valued, along with sacrifice, obligation, and deference to authority. A certain level of interdependence is socially acceptable and encouraged. Likewise, direct communication is foreign to many non-Westerners. Indirect communication is often preferred to preserve harmony, including in the here-and-now therapeutic setting. The therapist's readiness to read between the lines and be attentive to non-verbal cues may prove rewarding. Similarly, psychotherapists might find it beneficial to consider religion and spirituality sensitively when conducting psychodynamic psychotherapy in Eastern populations. These beliefs are essential to their identity, including the superego, which is particularly important in sexuality, gender identity, and emotions. Religious concepts and rituals may help believers cope with distressing life events and deal with anxiety related to existential concerns, e.g., death, isolation, and freedom. Yet, many non-western communities remain under-served. In public government facilities, monthly sessions are often considered a luxury; sustaining weekly sessions is impossible. While private centres may offer better availability, only a tiny segment of the population can afford the frequent regular sessions due to the high cost and limited insurance coverage. Long gaps between sessions may reduce the efficacy of expressive-based treatments and the intensity of transference-countertransference interactions. Thus, a more directed, eclectic, and supportive approach may be necessary. Single-session psychotherapy, which addresses a particular issue, may be an option.
- Subjects
MALAYSIA; PSYCHODYNAMIC psychotherapy; NONVERBAL cues; CROSS-cultural differences; PSYCHOTHERAPY; CULTURAL awareness; GENDER identity; EXTENDED families
- Publication
Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 2023, Vol 19, p43
- ISSN
1675-8544
- Publication type
Article