既存の偏見と新パラダイムをめぐって--日本におけるカウンセリング序考

Counseling, defined as the discussion of one’s problems with a trained professional and implementation of interventions to remedy psychological distress, is a relatively new concept in Japan. The present study involved students enrolled in a university course on Counseling. Students’ perceptions of the role of counselors in Japan and the acceptance of the idea of counseling in Japan were explored. The results of this study suggest that perceptions of counseling have largely been influenced by media representations of counseling and counselors. Cultural biases against counseling were acknowledged, yet a shifting paradigm wherein counseling is being perceived more positively was also discussed. The primary reason for seeking counseling in Japan is reportedly “stress.” Counseling students identified the two components of successful counseling as the need for counselors to build rapport and be perceived as trustworthy.