Therapeutic strategies and outcomes: perspectives from different cultures

Two forms of psychological therapy, one Japanese the other Euro/American, are described and compared. It is suggested that each identifies comparable goals for individual change. However, each differs in the means by which change is induced. The consensus concerning goals is taken as evidence of universal values in the definition of the fully functioning self. However, the divergence in means by which these goals are attained reflects specific cultural differences. The implications of these differences are related to individualistic versus relational values within the cultures discussed. It is proposed that the comparisons have implications for the practice of any specific form of psychotherapy on members of a culture other than that within which the therapy has developed.