Japanese psychotherapies bring a distinct view of mental health that stresses resilience and inner harmony. Rooted in cultural tradition, approaches such as Morita therapy and Naikan therapy center on acceptance and self-reflection, helping people work through emotional struggles well.
Shoma Morita created Morita therapy, which invites clients to accept their feelings without judgment and take part in meaningful activity, building a sense of purpose through hardship. Naikan therapy, in contrast, centers on introspection, asking people to reflect on their relationships and on how their actions affect others. The process builds gratitude and a fuller sense of one’s place in the world.
The course introduces these Japanese therapies and shows how to begin bringing some of their principles and interventions into clinical work. The training is experiential, so keep a notebook or journal nearby.
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.
- Design clinical interventions based on Japanese psychotherapies to use with clients.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective 1: Describe the difference between different types of Japanese psychotherapies
- Development of Naikan
- Development of Morita
- Differences and similarities
Objective 2: Explain the benefits of Naikan and Morita therapies
- Emphasis of mindfulness
- Existential basis
- Importance of core values
Objective 3: Using principles of Japanese psychotherapies in clinical work
- Focus on gratitude
- Clinical benefits of mindfulness
- How to introduce to clients
Objective 4: Designing clinical interventions
- Working with anxiety
- Working with depression
- Working with trauma
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 hours of Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: March 12, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com