June 15 - 16, 2024 (Summary & Highlights)
Shanghai Session, China
Global Mental Health Conference
SOFIA Focus | Integrating Wisdom from East and West for a New Era of "Heart" Power - The Second Global Mental Health Conference Grandly Held in Shanghai
From June 15 to 16, 2024, the Second Global Mental Health Conference (China) was held in Shanghai.
The conference was hosted by the Talent Exchange and Development Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, co-organized by the Mental Health Committee of the China Association for the Promotion of Health Science and Technology, with academic support from the Psychology Research Center of Fudan University, the Shanghai Social Psychology Association, and the Integrative Psychology Committee of the Chinese Association of Social Psychology. The event was organized by Sofia University, Shanghai Lida University, and Beijing Zhongke Chuangjia Human Resources Consulting Co., Ltd., with 23 units serving as special partners, industry cooperation units, and brand strategic cooperation units.
This year's conference, themed "The Heart is Vast: A Holistic Perspective and Integrative Practice in Psychology," featured over 30 experts and scholars from China, the United States, South Korea, and Germany. The event included 11 keynote speeches, 4 roundtable forums, and 27 parallel workshops, breaking through disciplinary boundaries and gathering practical experience. It created an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural academic exchange platform, actively promoting international cooperation, enhancing global multicultural understanding, resource sharing, and mutual exchange of research achievements.
The opening ceremony and keynote speeches were hosted by Yuqi Song, host and journalist from China Education Television. The roundtable forums were led by Shijin Sun, Chairman of this year's conference (China).
The conference, initiated by Sofia University, has garnered global attention from the psychology community. The Second Global Mental Health Conference also set up venues in California, USA; London, UK; and Seoul, South Korea. Over 100 top experts and professors from 16 countries were invited to participate, delivering hundreds of speeches, roundtable discussions, and workshops centered around the theme of mental health. The conference aimed to redefine traditional concepts, explore the intersections of mental health and holistic development, and discuss educational methods to support global mental health advancement. It created an open and diverse international academic exchange platform to promote the global development of mental health.
"Leading mental health research and practice through global, holistic, and integrative approaches to build an academic community for mental health is the core mission behind organizing this conference," said Diwen Liu, Secretary-General of the Conference Organizing Committee and Chief Representative of Sofia University in China. He explained that the theme of the conference is derived from the concept of "Hao Ran" in Mencius's "Haoran Zhi Qi," which emphasizes the pursuit of inner integrity and strong spiritual power, as well as the ideal of achieving harmony between humans and the universe. He stated that as a leading global institution in psychology research, Sofia University is committed to providing high-quality education, teaching, and academic services to its students. The university is continuously expanding into new academic fields to enhance the essence of transpersonal psychology and its broad impact across social sciences, education, technology, and engineering.
At the opening ceremony, Haishan Jiang, President of the International Education Association Shanghai, delivered a speech. He emphasized that international educational exchange is a vital avenue for advancing global mental health initiatives. Jiang introduced that the Shanghai Education International Exchange Association is dedicated to promoting educational exchange and cooperation between China and other countries, facilitating the mutual exchange of educational ideas and experiences, and enhancing cross-cultural understanding. This conference aims to gather and disseminate the concept of mental health to a broader audience, creating an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural academic exchange platform, and elevating the development of global mental health to a new level.
Mental health is an important cornerstone for every individual to achieve fulfillment and happiness in life. During the conference, the “Caring for Mental Health: Global Action Plan for Integrative Practice of Transpersonal Psychology” was officially launched. In China, the action plan will actively implement the “holistic education of mental health”. It will optimize social psychological services, promote the importance of mental health in the whole society, put mental health in a more prominent position, and guide the society to be more concerned about themselves and enjoy themselves, in order to promote the development and progress of the society. Zhangde Bai, former director of the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange; Carol Humphreys, president of Sofia University; Shijin Sun, director of the Psychology Research Center at Fudan University; Chang Liu, chairman of the Fashion Media Group; Kui Zheng, vice president of the Shanghai Society of Social Psychology; Dan Cai, secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Psychology of Shanghai Normal University; Zhongqi Cai, executive vice president of the Shanghai Lida College; Chuan Dai, a well-known self-media blogger from the Little Red Book; Ruogu Lin from R&S Garden, Vice President of Education; Guo Yuanli, member of the Integrative Psychology Committee of the Chinese Association of Social Psychology; and Liang Ling, Doctor of Psychology of Sofia University, officially launched the action plan in the conference.
Carol Humphreys, The president of Sofia University described the conference as a positive response to the mental health crisis. The shared expectation of Sofia University and Shanghai Lida University in hosting the conference is to make a positive impact in addressing the international mental health crisis and guiding communities towards a better future by creating mechanisms for transparent dialog across national and cultural differences. Sofia University is a university specializing in transpersonal psychological research, and has always been committed to addressing mental health issues since its founding in 1975, focusing on the integration of Eastern and Western philosophies, holistic mind-body therapies, and other ways of finding alternative, transformative ways of working and leading in a challenging world.
"I have a bright pearl that has not yet been revealed, but it will eventually illuminate the world." Shijin Sun, the Chairman (China) of the Global Conference on Mental Health and the Director of the Psychology Research Center at Fudan University, likened the first conference to "a seed" and described the participants of the second conference as "newly sprouted buds from the seed." He shared a conceptual perspective on the academic exploration of this conference. He believes that psychology should encompass "goodness and beauty," and this conference is a quest for a "spiritual home," a gathering of people to seek a new way of life for humanity, establish a new kind of interpersonal relationship, and explore a fresh perspective on viewing people and the world.
The two-day, 48-hour conference featured four major thematic workshops: "Transformational Frontier - New Trends in the Application of Psychology in the AI Era," "The Way of Wholeness - The East-West Resonance in Mind-Body Healing Practices," "Vivacity of Spirit: The Artistic Expression of Spontaneity and Creativity," and "Synergy through Sensitivity: Integrated Eastern and Western Psychological Counseling Practices." Specially planned events included "Encountering Transpersonal Psychology" intimate discussions, Life Movie Night, Knowledge and Action Night Salon, academic paper showcases, brand market, immersive visualized sound bath meditation experience, BYMB morning yoga meditation practice, Sofia University Alumni Night, and other integrative psychology practice projects. These activities went beyond the conventional time and spatial boundaries of academic conferences, offering participants a high-end, authoritative academic environment with a broad perspective, an immersive experience where mind and body converge, a community to draw energy from and pursue the ultimate spiritual upliftment, and a starting point for cultivating a beautiful lifestyle needed every day.
At the closing ceremony of the conference, Dorote Lucci, Core Faculty at Sofia University and Academic Chair of the Global Mental Health Conference (USA), stated that this conference is not an end but a beginning. She expressed hope for more opportunities to engage in dialogue in China, the United States, and beyond, resulting in more academic achievements through the exchange of wisdom and ideas. She looks forward to everyone leaving the conference energized and enriched. She believes that by focusing on transpersonal psychology, with its boundless charm, the conference will attract more people to join the pursuit, leading to more successful consensus.
Zhongqi Cai, the Executive Vice President of Shanghai Lida University, believes that this conference embodies a high-minded vision for the well-being of all humanity and demonstrates an open and inclusive academic spirit toward cultural exchange. He highlighted that the conference provided a vibrant international academic exchange platform, breaking down disciplinary barriers and gathering global wisdom for the advancement of psychology. Cai noted that the conference prominently featured Chinese traditional culture, from the sage kings Yao, Shun, and Yu to the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, and Wang Yangming's philosophy. This emphasis aligns closely with the core values cultivated at Shanghai Lida University. He expressed a commitment to ongoing deep cooperation with Sofia University to foster Sino-American cultural exchange, advance global mental health, and cultivate high-quality talent with an international perspective and innovative spirit.
During the conference opening ceremony, live broadcasts were simultaneously streamed on the official Weibo account of China Education Television and the official WeChat video account of Sofia University. Additionally, the conference received attention and coverage from over a thousand authoritative media outlets, mainstream media, and influential new media platforms, including CCTV, People's Daily, Guangming Daily, China Daily, China Youth Daily, Shanghai Daily, Wen Hui Bao, Xinmin Evening News, Xinhua Net, China News Service, CRI Online, China.com, Future Net, International Online by China Media Group, Dongfang Net, Sina.com, Sohu Video, Tencent Video, and First Video.
Transformational Frontier: New Trends in the Application of Psychology in the AI Era
The rapid development of artificial intelligence is continuously expanding the boundaries of psychological research, impacting various dimensions including human emotions, holistic education, cognition and introspection, mental health education, and the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures.
The conference is located on the banks of the Suzhou River in Shanghai, creating a sense of entering a city's backyard, akin to stepping into a paradise. The venue and accommodations are arranged in a five-star urban wellness resort dedicated to promoting a "healthy lifestyle." The overall style is elegant and restrained, with two buildings shaped like the "Tai Chi Yin Yang Fish" from architectural aesthetics. The hotel is named Anadi, symbolizing a healing space for regaining emotional balance and life joy.
Professor Dorote Lucci took a dialectical view of AI, arguing that AI lacks the unique psychological and personal qualities that define human beings. She emphasized the need for holistic education to guide children back to their human essence, aiming to cultivate higher creativity and deeper humanistic sentiments.
“Are the data we see real? Do the data reflect real life?” Focusing on the term "data" in the AI era, Yangyong Zhu, Deputy Director of the Data Industry Research Center at Fudan University, presented the reality of data from the perspective of data science. He shared how advancements in data have contributed to a better human life and new societal developments.
Parallel workshops
In the parallel workshops, MaryKay Chess, Chair of the DBA Program at Sofia University, guided participants in awakening consciousness-based leadership and directing their behavior. Professor Zhanbiao Shi from the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, discussed coaching consciousness, states, and skills, emphasizing that the primary starting point and ultimate mission of psychological coaching is the holistic care of universal human hearts and nature. Shengnan Zhang, Head of Mindfulness at BrainCo, explained the century-long history and core concepts of brain-computer interfaces, and their constructive contributions to human mental growth and emotional health. Zhuoyun Liu, a youth lecturer from Beijing Run Ze Yuan Education and Harvard alumnus, delved into the historical wisdom and contemporary value of Wang Yangming’s philosophy, highlighting the importance of Chinese classical cultural wisdom to global psychological development. Jiang Ou, a top consultant at OPEN ME lab, elaborated on the application significance of AI large-scale model intelligent companion clocks designed based on psychological frameworks.
"The Way of Wholeness" - The East-West Resonance in Mind-Body Healing Practices
On the afternoon of the 15th, experts and scholars from China and the U.S. explored various forms of mind-body healing practices, including traditional Chinese medicine, psychological therapy, and art therapy, focusing on "The Way of Wholeness." They emphasized the importance of not only addressing an individual's inner development but also considering their external behaviors to achieve harmony and balance between body and mind, aiming to become a person with noble character, broad vision, and rich inner qualities.
Chengya Wang, Executive Deputy Director of the Institute for Confucian, Buddhist, Daoist, and Medical Studies at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, combined Jungian psychological theories with Eastern wisdom. He explored the commonalities between holistic and integrative thinking in Western and Eastern thinking systems. Specifically, he discussed the symbolic significance of the "Golden Flower," revealing the commonalities within the depths of the human psyche and the intrinsic mysteries of life.
In exploring the relationship between wisdom and values, Professor Caifang Zhu, Chair of the Bilingual PhD Program in Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University, traced the essence of values from philosophical and religious perspectives. He argargued that individual dignity, free will, and independence form the foundation for values cherished by the self, such as integrity and spontaneity.
Professor Shijin Sun, Chair of the Roundtable Forum, along with keynote speakers Professor Nian Zhong, Professor Chengya Wang, Dr. Kechuang Zhang from the University of Tübingen, and Professor Marilyn Schlitz from Sofia University, engaged in a lively discussion on "The Way of Wholeness." They explored topics such as Zhuangzi's approach to wellness, Mencius's concept of nurturing the spirit, Western healing practices, and the balance between learning and material pursuits.
The five parallel workshops in this thematic seminar included topics such as “Mind-Body Healing in East-West Performance Training Perspectives,” “The Establishment of Indigenous Chinese Psychological Counseling Methods—Imagery Dialogue,” “Primary Art Creation Experience and Self-Transcendence,” “Organizational Constellations—The Role and Function of Hidden Dynamics in Systems,” and “Psychological Counseling Approaches and Practices with Transpersonal Tendencies.” These workshops were hosted by Associate Professor Ge Gao from the Department of Performance at Shanghai Theatre Academy, Professor Jianjun Zhu from the Department of Psychology at Beijing Forestry University, contemporary artist Haiping Guo, Dr. Minggui Lin, Executive Director of the Qingdao Donghua Institute of Information and System Science, and Professor Caifang Zhu, Chair of the Bilingual Doctoral Program in Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University.
Vivacity of Spirit: The Artistic Expression of Spontaneity and Creativity
The contemporary focus on mental health and spiritual awakening is a significant topic, drawing experts and scholars together to explore how to generate energy from within. In the roundtable forum under the theme “Vivacity of Spirit: The Artistic Expression of Spontaneity and Creativity,” the speakers engaged in deep exchanges about spontaneity, creativity, and artistic expression, achieving a profound exploration of the theme. Regarding creativity, Professor Nian Zhong from the Philosophy Department at Wuhan University posited that creativity is synonymous with time, as the abundance of time fosters relaxation, creating a fertile ground for artistic creativity to flourish.
Professor Marilyn Schlitz, a core faculty member of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University, believes that one's worldview shapes their perceptions of themselves, others, society, and family. It is crucial to recognize the worldview hidden within one's subconscious, as it influences daily behavior.
Contemporary artist Haiping Guo focused on the expressive power of art, asserting that primal art is an effective way to authentically express the inner world. He discussed the role and impact of primal art in psychotherapy, suggesting that art serves as an emotional measure of human symbiosis with all things, and creativity represents a symbol and manifestation of free force.
Fudan University humanist and writer Yong'an Liang elaborated on the complex relationship between contemporary cognition and social context. He argued that social culture should rely on irrational and spontaneous awareness. He believes that in today's world, faith in Chinese people and Chinese wisdom is essential, as the more than 5,000 years of agricultural civilization and the inherent goodness of humanity provide directions for addressing many common global issues.
Chengya Wang, Executive Deputy Director of the Daoist Medicine Research Institute at the National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, shared experiential insights into Daoist practice of "Heaven and Humanity in Unity." Professor Dan Cai, Party Secretary of the School of Psychology at Shanghai Normal University, along with her team of young teachers, discussed how to "Cultivate a Complete Person" from the perspectives of brain science, family education, and psychological health. Associate Professor Ge Gao from the School of Performing Arts at Shanghai Theatre Academy presented the insights of "Awareness in Motion and Functional Integration" for performance training. Dr. Yu Cao, an international Jungian analyst, introduced the sand tray experience workshop, allowing participants to explore the world of "Four-Dimensional Mind." Zhiyong Peng, a mentor from the Zhi Dao School, provided explanations and practice on Zhuangzi's "Heart-Mind Cultivation."
Synergy through Sensitivity: Integrated Eastern and Western Psychological Counseling Practices
At the event, Sofia University President Carol Humphreys, along with Professors Dorote Lucci, Caifang Zhu, and Kelly Yi, engaged in a discussion on "Integrating Eastern and Western Wisdom with Transpersonal Psychology." They explored how the convergence of Eastern and Western practices can facilitate deeper psychological growth, spiritual awakening, and a more profound sense of life's meaning.
The fusion of Eastern and Western wisdom has provided strong momentum and support for the development of transpersonal psychology. By drawing upon and integrating the scientific, cultural, and philosophical insights from both traditions, transpersonal psychology has been able to establish a more open and inclusive theoretical framework. This integration offers a broader perspective and deeper insights into the exploration of human consciousness and potential.
In his keynote speech on "Transcendent Phenomena and Principles in Imagery Dialogue Psychological Counseling," Professor Zhu Jianjun from the Department of Psychology at Beijing Forestry University unveiled the mysteries surrounding transcendent phenomena. He suggested that these phenomena are not about showcasing the extraordinary, but rather about seeking genuine inner clarity.
Professor Dorote Lucci of Sofia University, who is also the academic chair of the Global Mental Health Conference (USA), shifted the focus to a major challenge in modern medicine—cancer treatment. She discussed how mindfulness, meditation, psychophysiology, and transformative therapies can positively impact treatment outcomes. Additionally, she shared several practical tips on managing stress, alleviating pain, and fostering a positive psychological environment conducive to healing.
Fudan University humanist and writer Yong'an Liang elaborated on the complex relationship between contemporary cognition and social context. He argued that social culture should rely on irrational and spontaneous awareness. He believes that in today's world, faith in Chinese people and Chinese wisdom is essential, as the more than 5,000 years of agricultural civilization and the inherent goodness of humanity provide directions for addressing many common global issues.
During the parallel workshops under this theme, Professor Marilyn Schlitz of Sofia University’s core faculty in Transpersonal Psychology advocated for embracing the natural flow of life while maintaining a positive life attitude and cultivating a sense of fulfillment. Dr. Kechuang Zhang from the University of Tübingen in Germany, drawing on over twenty years of psychological counseling and guidance practice, analyzed the causes of depression from both Eastern and Western cultural perspectives, exploring a treatment approach that integrates these viewpoints. Dr. Qian Zhang, a young teacher in the Department of Art Education at the School of Xian Da Economics and Humanities, Shanghai International Studies University, provided auditory healing through music, allowing participants to experience and appreciate noble aesthetic emotions. Yue Ren, Chief Content Officer of Flow Meditation, focused on female empowerment, helping women heal from the past, improve their life states, and regain passion and energy through deep self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-expression. Dr. Kelly Yi, Vice Chair of the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at Sofia University, proposed a model based on integrating psychology, transpersonal psychology, and various local healing systems after comparing and analyzing traditional and modern psychological foundations.
“Heart to Heart Talk” Session-Meeting Transpersonal Psychology
This session on transpersonal psychology attracted a large number of participants interested in the field. Attendees engaged in discussions and experiences to explore the allure of transpersonal psychology. This segment showcased Sofia University's significant achievements in the field of transpersonal psychology. The increasing prevalence of psychological imbalances globally, including issues like loneliness, anxiety, and depression, has made the global promotion of transpersonal psychology urgent. By integrating ancient Eastern philosophies and artistic concepts, Sofia University has established a truly global and transpersonal psychological community. This initiative aims to advance the integration of psychology and interdisciplinary approaches, promoting the development of global mental health by bringing Sofia's transpersonal principles and philosophy to various parts of the world.
“Movie Night of Life” Conversation on Experiencing the Different Processes of Life
Marilyn Schlitz, the director of the internationally award-winning documentary Death Makes Life Possible and a core professor of transpersonal psychology at Sofia University, explored human experiences across different stages of life from both anthropological and transpersonal psychological perspectives. She discussed various cultural tendencies in life education, engaging with attendees on how different cultures approach and understand the experiences associated with different phases of human life.
The holistic development of individuals has always been a central focus of transpersonal psychology. Among its many aspects, death and life education is a comprehensive educational process that encompasses both death and life dimensions. Its purpose is to help individuals fully understand the essence, meaning, and impact of life and death, fostering a positive perspective on life and death, enhancing quality of life, and promoting the development of spiritual and cultural civilization in society.
Professor Marilyn Schlitz’s compelling presentation inspired deeper reflection and practical advancement. It is anticipated that the film will highlight the dignity and value of life, increase awareness of the quality of life, and deepen the understanding of life’s uniqueness and finiteness. This will encourage a more active engagement in life and the pursuit of a meaningful existence.
The "Knowledge and Action Night Salon: Reflecting, Awakening, Healing, and Unleashing 'Self' Power"
At the themed salon hosted by Siyu from the Dandelion Family Coaching Center, a partner and PCC professional coach, participants engaged in a "coaching dialogue + psychological cards" approach grounded in the principle of integrating knowledge and action.
"Looking Inward and Toward the Universe: Discovering Hidden Power and Wisdom through Dawn and Dusk Meditation."
At 8 AM and 9 PM, Elisa Bai, founder of Functional Movement Yoga, and Wang Haixiang, founder of Heart Geometry Technology, led participants through BYMB morning yoga and meditation exercises as well as an immersive visual and auditory meditation experience.
Meditation is a unique experience rooted in psychology that not only relaxes the mind and body and relieves stress, but also enhances focus and creativity. It allows individuals to gain deeper insight into their inner world, discover latent strengths and wisdom, and foster harmonious coexistence with nature and others. Additionally, it promotes inner peace and joy.
The conference encouraged master’s and doctoral students to participate and showcase their research achievements, and supported relevant brands in participating and presenting their experiences. This demonstrated the conference's open attitude towards creative, artistic, and experiential activities and expressions. At the event, brand strategic partners showcased their offerings and invited attendees to engage in project experiences. Wang Quanzhong and Zhang Xiao, doctoral candidates in Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University in the U.S., shared their latest academic research findings: "Five Elements Health Preservation Method: A Framework for an AI-Driven Holistic Health Management Model" and "The Effectiveness of Dream Integration in Alleviating Female Menstrual Syndrome," respectively.
See You Next Time
2023 Parallel Session
In 2023, the inaugural Sofia Global Mental Health Conference attracted nearly 10,000 participants from over 10 countries worldwide. The second Sofia Global Mental Health Conference, scheduled for June 2024, will kick off in California, USA. Over 100 top experts from 16 countries will be invited to attend, with sessions held in California, London, Shanghai, and Seoul, covering hundreds of topics through speeches, roundtable discussions, and workshops.