[How to Learn and Practice Psychotherapies -A Proposal from the Japan Psychotherapy Week-]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
• Mental Health Training
• Cross-Cultural Therapeutic Approaches

Background:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a recommended approach in Japanese postgraduate psychiatric training.
• The Japan Association for Cognitive Therapy has hosted annual workshops since 2000.
• The concept of Japan Psychotherapy Week (JPW) emerged to consolidate learning of diverse therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a platform for learning multiple psychotherapies, including psychoanalysis, Morita therapy, and CBT, in one venue.
• To explore the intersection of Eastern and Western therapeutic traditions.
• To enhance the psychotherapeutic competence of psychiatrists through exposure to varied modalities.

Main Methods:

• The JPW2015 'East Meets West' event was held in Kobe, featuring lectures and discussions over two evenings.
• Presentations included topics on CBT, Morita therapy, and psychoanalysis, drawing parallels with philosophical concepts like Plato's Symposium.
• Discussions focused on integrating different therapeutic elements and the role of cognitive therapy as a bridge.

Main Results:

• The event provided a unique setting for psychiatrists to engage with diverse psychotherapeutic approaches.
• Cognitive therapy was presented as capable of integrating elements from interpersonal, behavioral, and psychodynamic therapies.
• The JPW aims to facilitate the development of psychotherapeutic skills without focusing on strict integration.

Conclusions:

• The JPW initiative successfully brought together different schools of psychotherapy for educational purposes.
• The event highlighted the potential for cross-pollination of ideas between Eastern and Western therapeutic practices.
• Establishing JPW is expected to significantly advance the psychotherapeutic capabilities of psychiatrists.