Morita Therapy - Arugamama ‘Accept reality as a whole’

I am writing to share my passion for Morita therapy and my interest in exploring its application here in New Zealand.

Dr. Shoma Morita (1874–1938), a Japanese psychiatrist, introduced the philosophy of 'Arugamama' (Accept reality as a whole) to help his patients. This concept encourages individuals to view their mental health challenges as an integral part of their life journey, promoting a holistic perspective that reduces self-judgment and blame.

A key aspect of Morita therapy is its unique approach to rest and motivation. Unlike Western practices that often encourage increased activity, Dr. Morita advised patients to "have a rest, sleep, and eat. You do not do anything until you get motivation to wake up and do something." He believed that for individuals experiencing mental health issues, regaining motivation is crucial as it provides hope, energy, and resilience for recovery. He observed cases where patients rested for several months before their motivation naturally returned, leading to significant recovery.

As a Japanese trauma specialist in New Zealand, I work with diverse populations, including Māori, Pasifika, Asian, Indian, and other minority ethnic groups. I've found that traditional Western and European therapeutic approaches sometimes do not fully align with their cultural, customary, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives. However, I have noticed that Morita therapy and the 'Arugamama' concept resonate well with these clients, as well as my Pākehā and European clients. Many have shared that 'Arugamama' has significantly contributed to their resilience, tolerance, and self-esteem during their recovery journey.

Although Morita therapy is not yet widely known in New Zealand, I am eager to further explore its concepts and practice models to gently and respectfully support my clients.