Morita Therapy: Educational and Cultural Equivalent

Morita therapy is an oriental therapy and has achieved success in the treatment of many diseases. Although it is of Eastern origin and reflects the characteristics of the East in therapy, it has also been widely used in Western culture. Morita therapy, which has similar features with some concepts in our culture, is a practice-oriented therapy. This study aims to describe Morita therapy, which has similar connotations in our culture, with its philosophy, application areas and cultural similarities. This research, which is a qualitative study, is a descriptive study. Primary and secondary sources were used in the research. According to the results of the study, Morita therapy carries the traces of Zen Buddhism and Japanese culture. The philosophy of Morita therapy is based on the principles of Zen Buddhism and practices of Zen Buddhism are seen in its practices. Compared to other theories, Morita therapy has been found to have similar characteristics with Positive psychology and Acceptance and commitment therapy, although it is different than Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapy and Psychoanalysis. Although Morita therapy is similar to other theories, it is an important and distinctive feature of it which focuses on action rather than talking. In addition, it has been concluded that Morita therapy application methods and principles have similar connotations with concepts such as retreat/ reclusion, and seclusion in our culture.