Naikan therapy

n. Naikan therapy is an intensive, systematic form of self-reflection (Naikan literally means “inside-looking” in Japanese) in which clients review three aspects of their relationship with each person they consider important in their lives: (1) the emotional or material support they received from that particular person, (2) the support they returned, and (3) the difficulties or suffering they caused the person. This form of therapy was developed in the 1950s by Ishin Yoshimoto (1916–1988) according to Buddhist principles such as the connectedness of all things, acceptance of suffering, and giving. Distinct from some traditional Western therapies, the aim of Naikan in reflecting on past relationships is not to procure insight into the origins of maladaptive behaviors and symptoms, and it does not involve spontaneous free talking with a therapist. Rather, through a systematic reflection on their interrelatedness with and indebtedness to others, clients develop humility and gratitude in their relationships with both significant others and the larger world, fostering a positive sense of interconnectedness, trust, responsibility, and meaning. – JWK, SAH