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Explore the transformative world of Japanese counseling with our insightful guest, Teru Nakashima. Uncover how his unique blend of self-affirmation, Adlerian psychology, and an original concept he calls the aesthetics of humanity can elevate your understanding of both self and others. Nakashima's approach enriches our perspectives by encouraging a long-term view and invites us to shed our "colored glasses"—a metaphor for our personal biases shaped by blood, knowledge, and land. These guiding principles aim to help us stay grounded amid life's everyday trials, ensuring we remain focused on what truly brings us joy and purpose.

1. What are the three core principles of thinking that Teru Nakashima emphasizes in counseling?

Nakashima emphasizes seeing things long-term, multi-dimensionally, and focusing on the essence of the matter. Looking long-term involves focusing on the client's potential for growth rather than immediate anxieties and avoiding getting bogged down by small details. Looking multi-dimensionally encourages flexibility in perspective and avoiding rigidity. Focusing on the essence involves exploring the root causes of issues and acknowledging that one's own subjectivity might be flawed, paying attention to the influence of one's "blood" (family traits), "knowledge," and "environment" on their perceptions.

2. What is the difference between "hearing" and "listening" in Nakashima's approach to counseling?

Nakashima distinguishes between merely "hearing" what someone says and truly "listening". Listening (keicho) involves focusing on what the other person wants to say, convey, or hopes for, rather than listening for what you want to hear. It's a key counseling technique that supports the client in organizing their thoughts and reaching their own conclusions. It emphasizes listening not just with the ears, but also with the eyes and the heart, always accepting the client affirmatively and offering encouragement. The counselor should maintain a slightly more elevated state or posture than the client.

3. What is "rapport" and why is it important in counseling?

"Rapport" is a term used in psychology to describe the mutual relationship of trust between a counselor and a client. It's essential for effective counseling, as it provides the foundation for open communication and collaboration.

4. According to Nakashima, what three elements are necessary to build trust in a therapeutic relationship?

Nakashima identifies three key elements for building trust: encouragement, empathy, and respect. Respect forms the base, upon which encouragement and empathy are built.

5. What is the difference between "trusting" and "believing," according to Nakashima?

Nakashima distinguishes between "trusting" and "believing." "Believing" is reserved for things already known. "Trusting," however, means having faith in the unknown and in all aspects of a person or situation.

7. How does Nakashima's approach help clients overcome life's difficulties?

Nakashima's approach aims to transform life's difficulties into opportunities for growth by combining self-affirmation, Adlerian psychology, and a focus on human values. It helps clients recognize and address cognitive biases, ultimately fostering resilience and a more fulfilling life.

8. What does Nakashima mean by being aware of one's "blood, knowledge, and environment?"

Nakashima encourages counselors to be aware of their own "blood" (inherited personality traits from family), "knowledge" (acquired education and experiences), and "environment" (upbringing and surroundings) because these factors can unconsciously influence their perspectives and judgments. Being conscious of these influences helps the co

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