Naikan Therapy from the Jungian Point of View

Abstract

  The author, a Jungian Analyst, discusses Naikan Therapy from the Jungian point of view through his experience of having undergone intensive Naikan Therapy.

  First, I point out the difference of the therapeutic structure between the Naikan Institute room and the analytical practice room. Mainly, this is that Naikan is undergone within the frame, while Analysis is undergone outside of the frame. As it were, Analysis is undergone like the picture ‘Mutus liber’（1667）. The Naikan frame, I suggest, might contain the whole of the Naikan rooms and the Naikan institute itself as a larger frame, and might originate in Buddhist religious ideation.

  Second, I discuss how Naikan Therapy might function as a Self-Help Group because of the above therapeutic structure. The unfolding of therapy within the frame promotes participation more effectively. I suggest that the patient’s participation might be one of the healing mechanisms and a source of empowerment within Naikan Therapy.

  Third, I analyze the dreams witnessed while undergoing Naikan Therapy—and the harmony felt afterwards—from a Jungian point of view, using the story of ‘The Rainmaker of Kiao Tchou.’ I conclude that Naikan Therapy might function in a way similar to Family Therapy through the Naikan participant’s having committed to his/her family constellation, and thus restoring the possibility of harmony.