The development, progress, and current status of cognitive behaviour therapy in Japan

Abstract

This article reviewed the development, progress, current status, and futuredirection of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in Japan. First, the history ofCBT in Japan was briefly reviewed, including a description of the developmentof two major societies and their respective journals: the Japanese Associationfor Behaviour Therapy (later renamed as the Japanese Association for Behav-ioural and Cognitive Therapies) and the Japanese Association for CognitiveTherapy. Second, we reported on the existing evidence relating to CBTin Japan, including randomised control trials for depression, social anxietydisorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, andchildhood anxiety disorders. Third, two established training systems for psy-chologists were outlined: (a) the National Training System for Cognitive Ther-apists, sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; and(b) Behavioural Therapy Specialists, qualified by the Japanese Association forBehavioural and Cognitive Therapies. We also reviewed the pathways to quali-fication as a clinical psychologist in Japan, undertaken through graduate train-ing courses accredited by the Foundation of the Japanese Certification Boardfor Clinical Psychologists. Furthermore, we discuss the 2017 launch of the firstnational qualification standards, which has the potential to instigate dramaticchange. Fourth, the impact and role of the national health insurance schemein relation to psychological qualifications in Japan was described. Finally,future directions for cognitive behaviour therapy in Japan were discussed Show more