Helping adolescents with shyness: Applying the Japanese Morita therapy in shyness counselling

Summary

Adolescence, being a period of rapid change and development, is often associated with experiences of turmoil and anxiety. Shyness is common as the adolescent attempts to explore boundaries, gain self-knowledge, and form an identity. An approach successful in treating this type of nervous pre-occupation is Morita therapy. This article describes how Morita therapy, in the form of Morita counselling, was applied in treating 12 shy adolescents seen in 3 groups. Four brief counselling sessions were conducted. The aim of treatment was not to rid the adolescent of shyness but to have them experience accomplishment and be productive despite anxiety symptoms. The main concepts presented were: action can be taken despite experiencing anxiety, emotions cannot willfully be controlled but behaviour can be chosen, and shyness is a reflection of greater sensitivity to life and can serve in a positive way. Positive treatment effects were observed on reported cognitive and behavioural measures and verified by behavioural counts documented. In conclusion, the adolescents appeared to have gained a more positive outlook on their shyness and an awareness of personal control through choice of action. By providing a concrete mechanism for approaching the shyness difficulty, Morita counselling, even in a brief number of sessions, has the potential for making an impact on this age group helping to spare them the anguish of social withdrawal and isolation.