Japanese psychotherapies offer a unique perspective on mental health, emphasizing resilience and harmony within individuals. Rooted in cultural traditions, these therapies, such as Morita therapy and Naikan therapy, focus on acceptance and self-reflection, allowing individuals to navigate emotional struggles effectively. 

Morita therapy, developed by Shoma Morita, encourages patients to accept their feelings without judgment and to engage in meaningful activities, fostering a sense of purpose amidst adversity. On the other hand, Naikan therapy emphasizes introspection, prompting individuals to reflect on their relationships and the impact of their actions on others. This process cultivates gratitude and a deeper understanding of one’s place in the world. 

This course provides an introduction to these Japanese therapies, with an emphasis on how to begin incorporating some of their principles and interventions into clinical work. This will be an experiential training, so please have a notebook or journal on hand.

Upon completion of this training participants will be able to:

• Describe the difference between various types of Japanese psychotherapies
• Explain the benefits of Morita and Naikan therapies
• Use principles of Japanese psychotherapies in clinical work

Social workers completing this course receive 2 Cultural Competency asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 hours of Cultural Competency continuing education training.

Course Instructor:Dreya Blume, LCSW

Recording Date: 03/12/2025