Past Community Psychoanalytic Projects

Haikou, China Project 2012-2013

A cross stitch pattern with chinese writing on it

Dr. Sehon initiated a pioneering cultural exchange project at Hainan Anning Hospital in Haikou, China, with health professionals. This project aimed to foster mutual learning and understanding in the nascent psychoanalytic landscape of China. This was a collaborative process shaped through ongoing communication before, during, and after her consultations in China. The format evolved from seminars to incorporate live patient interviews, reflecting the requests of participants and leaders. 


Dr. Sehon introduced Western psychoanalytic concepts and techniques, while Chinese counterparts offered insights into the socio-cultural context of China that influences mental health. This exchange highlighted the challenges of applying Western psychoanalytic theories within a different cultural framework, emphasizing the need for adaptation and sensitivity. The project underscored the importance of recognizing the distinct psychological and social realities of Chinese patients, acknowledging the influence of Confucianism, family dynamics, and societal expectations.

The cover of a book titled psychoanalysis in china

Approximately 140 clinicians participated in the project, including psychiatrists, residents, psychologists, nurses, and university faculty.
This initiative bridged the gap between East and West, promoting a more nuanced and culturally informed approach to psychoanalytic practice in China.  The project culminated in Dr. Sehon contributing a chapter to the book Psychoanalysis in China, titled "Navigating the Uncharted Psychoanalytic Seascape between East and West: A Pilot Project with Hainan Anning Hospital that Cultivated Mutual Learning", Scharf, D.E. and Varvin, S. (eds.), 2013.

Beijing Anning Hospital, Beijing, China Project 2010

A woman in a red jacket stands on the side of the great wall of china

Dr. Sehon initiated a significant engagement in China, initially teaching at Capital Medical University in Beijing and subsequently presenting at the first-ever Asian International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) Congress in Beijing. Dr. Sehon collaborated with Dr. Hong Xing Wang, delivering a lecture, "Psychoanalytic Thinking and Its Relevance to General Psychiatric Practice," to graduate psychology students and psychiatrists at the Beijing Anning Hospital. This presentation showcased Dr. Sehon's expertise and fostered enthusiastic engagement, reflecting a strong intercultural connection. 

Her work in China culminated in the journal article "Letters from China," which detailed her teaching experiences at Beijing Anning Hospital, emphasizing the need for adapting Western psychoanalytic theories to align with China's unique cultural context.  Her teaching facilitated a reciprocal exchange with Chinese mental health professionals, in which she navigated cultural complexities and cultivated mutual respect and curiosity. These experiences and her publication demonstrate Dr. Sehon's dedication to expanding psychoanalytic understanding beyond Western boundaries.


This project laid the groundwork for future collaboration. Dr. Wang Hongxing extended an offer for Dr. Sehon to teach again in Beijing and connected her with Dr. Fu Yongjian, MD, psychiatrist and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Hainan Medical University in Haikou. Dr. Fu invited Dr. Sehon to teach psychoanalytic psychotherapy seminars to his hospital clinicians.


Scharff, D., Sehon, C., Wei, Q., Wanlass, J. & Wanlass, J. (2011). Letters from China. International Journal of Applied  Psychoanalytic Studies 8:268-281.