Cultural adaptability as an attribute of therapies: The case of morita psychotherapy

Abstract

Morita psychotherapy, a form of therapy developed in Japan some sixty years ago, has survived extensive changes in Japanese society, and is now enjoying popularity in the United States. This gives us an opportunity to look closely at the concept of 'cultural fit' between an important therapeutic technique and its social milieu, and to speculate about recent changes in American culture that may account for the growing popularity of Moritism. In contrast to Western style 'talking therapies' like psychoanalysis, Morita psychotherapy is relatively group-centered, ritualistic, and behavioristic. On would expect to find these features in a Japanese therapy, but their acceptance in America suggests that previously popular Western techniques may not be optimum for handling certain problems of the post-industrial American. McLuhan, Peacock, Douglas, and others have suggested some emerging traits of Western character that might shed some light on this question.

Culture and Psychotherapy: Review and Practical Guidelines

“…According to Iwai and Reynolds (1970: 158), Leonhard tried the therapy in East Germany and reported in 1965 that 'it was almost impossible for the neurotic European patient to undergo the stage of absolute bed Transcultural Psychiatry 36 (2) rest for therapy; besides, recreational activities rather than work activities were more effective for anxiety reduction in his patients.' According to Reynolds and Kiefer (1977), several therapists implemented Morita therapy in West Coast areas of the United States with reasonable success for certain populations of clients. It is worth examining the kinds of modifications needed for this imported Japanese culture-related therapy to work for American patients.…”

Therapeutic strategies and outcomes: Perspectives from different cultures

“…At Yoshimoto's Naikan centre in Nara, more than 2500 persons had undergone Naikan training by 1971. Their complaints ranged from family difficulties to psychosomatic and neurotic problems (Reynolds, 1977). Naikan has also been employed in industry: 'in one Tokyo company by the firm's entire personnel of 4000 from the president downwards ' (Yoshimoto, 1974).…”

“…Naikan is a training, rather than healing, approach to personal dysfunction (Reynolds, 1987). Accordingly, the sbidosbu is viewed not as a therapist but as a guide.…”

“…Detailed descriptions of the procedure of Naikan are provided by Murase (1982) and Reynolds (1977). Its aim is the discovery of 'authentic guilt' for the troubles one has caused others in the past, and 'positive gratitude' for the efforts of others on one's behalf.…”

Anxiety Disorders through a Transcultural Perspective: Implications for Migrants

“…However, many newly integrated therapeutic aspects in psychotherapy suggest effective alternatives for such an approach. For example, ‘Morita' therapy, developed in the 1920s for the treatment of Taijin Kyōfushō in Japan, has been effectively adapted as a therapeutic programme for social phobia, death anxiety and other forms of anxiety [62]. Meditative practices of Buddhist and yoga traditions have also been successfully adopted in a culture-unspecific manner in the treatment of anxiety disorders.…”