LE3 .A278 2007

2007

Corbett, Michael

Acadia University

Master of Education

Masters

Counselling

Education

This work is based on my experience of life in Japan. It examines that country's social practices and offers a critical look at both Japanese collective society, and the North American individualistic way of life, focusing on what we might learn from the Japanese relational way of life. Included are a look at social practices in Japan, a brief historical review of the formation of the Self in both Japanese and Western contexts along with the philosophical underpinnings of both traditions, similarities and differences between the two traditions and their implications for therapeutic counselling practice, and a more in-depth look at Japanese Zen Buddhism and its implications for life in Japanese society. This researcher feels that the East has some things to teach the West, especially in terms of value-based human interaction. I believe that some of the concepts relevant to the Japanese relational way of life can be included by Western therapists in their practices, in order to help those living in a society that, to some extent, has lost touch with itself.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2723