As a young and developing profession for the last two decades, psychotherapy in
Malaysia is not widely known to those outside of the country. Therefore, this
paper seeks to provide an overview of the development of psychotherapy in
Malaysia. The paper first begins with a review of the Malaysian social-cultural
context and mental health scenario, followed by the current practice of
psychotherapy and psychotherapists in Malaysia. The title of ‘psychotherapist’
covers a broad range of professionals in Malaysia. Since the 1970s, the practice
of psychotherapy, mostly brought in from the Western world, has evolved from
the psychoanalytic tradition to behavioural and cognitive-behavioural traditions.
Family systems work is, however, limited. There is growing interest in integrating
indigenous cultural beliefs with the Western model of psychotherapy, as well as
exploring alternative means to traditional face-to-face counselling mode. This
paper therefore discusses several contemporary issues of concern within the
field, as well as future directions, in relation to the practice of psychotherapy,
research areas as well as training and development of future therapists. With still
much room for growth and development, the field presents as a fertile ground for
those up for the adventure and challenges of pioneering and revolutionary work.