Gregorio Bermann's View of Mental Health in China and its Discussion within the Argentine "psi" Field

Abstract

This work approaches Gregorio Bermann´s reception of Chinese psychiatry and psychological practices through the analysis of La salud mental en China [Mental Health in China], a book published by himself in 1970 after visiting that country three times. It is shown how the author "translated" his experience in the Far East, according to the ideas and expectations from his own context which exceeded the purely disciplinary interest towards the Chinese psychological field. The author's approach to psychotherapy and the place of morality in mental health is emphasized. It is alleged that the author sought to legitimize theoretically and politicitally the Chinese psychotherapeutic practice in order to discuss and question his Argentine colleagues presenting it as a new proposal, according to his own ideas and objectives.