Presentation Information
[SY-51]Morita Therapy: Is It Culture-Bound Psychotherapy or Useful Across Cultures?
Kei Nakamura1, Ayumu Tateno2, Mitsuhiro Nakamura3,4, Mikiko Kubota5,1, Masahiro Minami6, Andrea Roberto Polari7 (1.The Jikei University Center for Morita Therapy(Japan), 2.The Jikei University School of Medicine(Japan), 3.Yokohama Camellia Hospital(Japan), 4.Shinano Mental Clinic(Japan), 5.Hosei University(Japan), 6.Simon Fraser University(Canada), 7.University of Melbourne(Australia))
Keywords:
Morita therapy,psychotherapy,mindfulness,culture
Morita Therapy, founded in 1919 by Japanese psychiatrist Shoma Morita, is a distinctive approach to treating "neuroses." Its core principle is to break the psychological vicious cycle of anxiety by guiding individuals away from attempting to control their anxiety, instead fostering an "as-is" attitude. This "as-is" approach encourages patients to accept their anxiety and symptoms without forcibly trying to eliminate them, while recognizing the underlying "desire for life"—the inherent drive for growth and improvement—that accompanies anxiety in real-life situations. Originally, Morita Therapy was an in-patient treatment involving periods of isolated bed rest and work therapy. In recent years, however, it has evolved into primarily outpatient practices, which include various formats such as individual therapy, group therapy, and short-term care programs. Morita Therapy is closely associated with Zen Buddhism and differs significantly from Western psychotherapeutic approaches. It emphasizes a unique view of nature, a mind-body monistic perspective, and places the practice of daily life at the center of its treatment.
This symposium will offer an overview of Morita Therapy and its historical development, as well as explore research on its effectiveness in outpatient settings. Additionally, we will examine the differences between Morita Therapy and mindfulness-based approaches that have been integrated into Western psychotherapy and mental health practices. A comparative cultural analysis will highlight these distinctions. Finally, an Australian psychiatrist with a multicultural background will provide designated remarks, offering further insights. Through this symposium, we aim to foster a lively discussion on whether Morita Therapy is inherently suited only for Japanese and East Asian cultures or if it holds value and applicability across diverse cultural contexts.
This symposium will offer an overview of Morita Therapy and its historical development, as well as explore research on its effectiveness in outpatient settings. Additionally, we will examine the differences between Morita Therapy and mindfulness-based approaches that have been integrated into Western psychotherapy and mental health practices. A comparative cultural analysis will highlight these distinctions. Finally, an Australian psychiatrist with a multicultural background will provide designated remarks, offering further insights. Through this symposium, we aim to foster a lively discussion on whether Morita Therapy is inherently suited only for Japanese and East Asian cultures or if it holds value and applicability across diverse cultural contexts.