CARE in aSia : "Counselling, Assessment, Rehabilitation & Education"
PsychologyaSia
Interests in application of Psychology in Asia has grown rapidly over the last 10 years. There are more practicing psychologist involved with asian clients or societies directly or indirectly. PsychologyaSia is a network of like-minded people "doing psychology" while mindful about cross-cultural issues to promote best east-west integration of psychosocial interventions. We believe in promoting ASK (attitude, skill and knowledge) competencies through active dialogue, exchanges and activities. Active participation is the key as we grow this online community through innovative use of technology for networking and professional development.
Ms Ada Wong "Mother of Counselling Psychology in Asia"
Ms Ada Wong nurtured countless Psychologists and Counsellors with her expertise in counselling/clinical psychology and sensitivity groups training programs. She served as the Director of Personal Development and Counselling Centre (PDCC), HKU until her retirement in 2001. She is best remembered by her caring tireless effort in helping thousands of students@HKU over the 30 years and development of University counselling services. For me I will remember her insightful career advice: "Some 17 (now 27) years ago I acted as a supervisor to Mr. Kang and I can remember thinking that, should he overcome his slight tendency to public reticence, he would become a formidable counselor". Ada's signature is deep in my psyche and I am sure there are many untold stories by the thousands. She left for a better world on August 16, 2011.
"You served your time.
You left silently.
But not without a fight. Thousand came, thousand cried.
Thousand left, thousand joy.
To the end."
Virgilio G. Enriquez is known as the Father of Filipino Psychology "Ama ng Sikolohiyang Pilipino", Pambansang Samahan sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino, (National Organization of Filipino Psychology) a field he established in 1975.
Remembering Edward Kwong. “Yes, I still enjoy seeing cases, so they have my top priority” and “You see, I am still trying to win the rightful ownership for these two neurotic disorders.” It is here we have a glimpse of this caring and brillant confident clinican who never retired from doing what he loved. His jovial and cynical mix is a refreshing reminder that being authentic matters. We often remember Edward as being the first Clinical Psychologist in Hong Kong. RIP
Good insight into cross-cultural psychology and issues come from living and working in another country. Psychologists should travel as much as possible and learn from each other without age or cultural barriers.
Over the years many people have influence my understanding on cross-cultural psychology in particular Prof D.Y.Ho who has written extensively on many topics in psychology, culture, etc. Read his paper "Dialogical Self: Converging East-West Constructions" on where we are today in the psychology of selfhood.
Australian Psychological Society (APS) InPsych Cover feature: Psychology in cross-cultural contexts
Psychologists working in immigration detention
Amanda Gordon
Culturally aware organisational psychology,
Dr Steven Kiely and Professor Alex
Main
Facilitating intercultural interactions to enhance international students’ psychosocial adjustment,
Professor Anita Mak
What can culture add to an understanding of criminal violence?
,Dr Katie Seidler
Effective interviewing of culturally and linguistically diverse clients,
Dr Nigar Khawaja
Glad to see contibutions from a Psychologist (Prof Anita Mak) of asian origin from Hong Kong who did her Clinical Psychology training at the University of Hong Kong. Over the 30 years HKU have been producing graduates in Clinical Psychology for the asian region with cross-cultural relevance.
A good book to understand how Eastern philosophy is shaping practices:
Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Social Work
An Empirically Based Approach to Assessment and Treatment
In recent years, interest in non-Western curative techniques among
Americans has grown by leaps and bounds. Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit
Social Work is the first book to strongly connect Western therapeutic techniques
with Eastern philosophy and practices, while also providing a comprehensive
and pragmatic agenda for social work, and mental health professionals.
Kabat-Zinn: MBSR Founder
Mark Williams: MCBT founder
Psychologists who developed interventions based on the Eastern practices. Mindfulness and meditation are becoming good therapeutic medium for evidence-based interventions.
Past and Recent Initiatives
YesNO2Suicide
This is a public education initiative to encourage open dialogue by people to talk about suicide. The belief is the topic of suicide need not be a taboo and through active exchanges we can be more open to confront the issue and to produce better interventions program.
OLPdisAbledC
Positive use of technology for development. The OLPdisAbledC (One Laptop per DisAbled Child) inniative empower the growing mind of children in need of an education.
ABC (Attention, Behaviour, Control)
The ABC (Attention, Behaviour and Control) program promote holistic developmental activities and active coaching. This program is now currently active in Hong Kong YMCA leisure and learning outreach.
PsychologyaSia CARE Domain Focus
C ounselling
Helping people (young or old ) cope with stress of modern day living.
A ssessment
Children are assessed to understand their level of functioning. Cross-cultural assesment is critical for the effective appropriate interventions.
R ehabilitation
Helping people with disabilities have a positive life.
Former patients who were in the same spinal injury ward had a reunion after 20 years.
E ducation
Changing educational practices.
Interns are exposed to discussion on educational practices. Here we have a visually impaired teacher from HK sharing his experience with students and teachers from Bhutan and Malaysia.
Teacher trainimg for developing countries. Here a teacher from Bhutan who is involved in the worldwide OLPC project talk about his comitment to enable better educatinal access through use of technology in his country.
Give us feedback....
Correspondence:
E-mail is preferred: psychcare@nurturingasia.com
By snail post:
Australia: PsychologyaSia, P.O. Box 3089, The Pines Post Office Doncaster East, Victoria 3109 Australia
