An Examination of the Difficulties of a Novice Naikan Therapist: Developing a Therapist Education Program

Abstract

  As the qualification system of Naikan therapists has been established, it is necessary to develop an education program in which Naikan therapists can learn thier craft. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five mid-career Naikan therapists, all of whom had been practicing for less than ten years, to learn of their concerns as practicing Naikan therapists. As a result, six categories of difficulties were explored: ‘becoming a Naikan therapist,‘ ’the structure of Naikan,‘ ’practicing as a Naikan therapist,‘ ’experience as a Naikan therapist,‘ ’experience as a clinical psychologist,’ and ‘correspondence with Naikan clients.’ Based on the findings of these interviews, it is suggested that the following topics should be included in such Naikan education programs: describing the aptitudes of a Naikan therapist and devising criteria for measuring such aptitudes; clarifying the reasons for Naikan’s structure; establishing a clear and common understanding of the essence of Naikan’s therapeutic action; understanding the fear and risks involved in Naikan therapy which can lead to constant reflection upon oneself; and presenting concrete models for corresponding with Naikan clients, including flexible ways of dealing with various situations. While these should be adopted in a program as the first step to become a Naikan therapist, an ongoing education system of supervision or consultation should also be established to reinforce practitioners’ understanding of these important topics.