The 3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Psychotherapy was held in Suntec City Convention Centre, Singapore from the 12 to 15 March 2003. The theme of the conference was , a most appropriate theme given the insecure and troubled times that we now live in. It was also appropriate for Singapore where there is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
The conference' s plenary speakers included Assoc Prof Stella Quah, a sociologist who expounded on the sociological factors of mental illness and in the psychotherapeutic relationships. She drew attention to the fact that cultural expectations may hinder therapeutic communication as when a culturally inappropriate piece of clothing may distract and distort verbal communication. Prof. Sidney Bloch, the second plenary lecturer, spoke on the social factors involved in disease and how intervention can make a difference. On the last day, Prof Bachtiar Lubis, discussed the cultural barriers that limit the development of psychotherapy in the region and his thoughts as to how they may be eventually be overcome.
The Scientific program throughout the 3 days of scientific program consisted of at least 4 concurrent sessions with a wide spectrum of presentations. Practical presentations range from workshops that impart a variety of skills such as music therapy, family therapy, or working with specific groups such as gays and lesbians; to whole day symposium and workshop on Tao Psychotherapy presented by the Korean Academy of Psychotherapy. There were also many academic presentations among the offerings available to participants. Reports of various treatment trials especially those in cognitive behavioural therapy, case studies with Morita therapy, reflective presentations such as the relationship between psychotherapy and psychiatry as well as presentations on theoretical formulations of psychopathology made for an interesting array of discussion, debate and dialogue.
In all, the conference provided for a rich experience of academic exchange and dialogue, skill transfer and sharing as well as for renewing old ties and new friendships. This is apart from sampling a culturally eastern society in an outwardly western city, with its exotic foods and fanciful sightseeing.
DR. DOUGLAS KONG
CHAIRMAN. 3RD ASlA PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON PSYCHOTHERAPY
Copyright(c)
2003 Korean Academy of psychotherapists. All rights reserved.
Korean
Academy of Psychotherapists 295, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04321, Republic of Korea
TEL : 82-2-764-8432 FAX : 82-2-701-0840
E-mail : kap8432@nate.com
일반자료실
