The Difference Between Counseling and PsychotherapyThe Two Purposes of CounselingCounseling in Japan: Current Status and ChallengesMental Health in Japan by the Numbersof improving or resolving targeted symptoms (such as depression or anxiety) or problematic behaviors. Various established techniques exist, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, and family therapy. In recent years, an "integrative approach" that combines the most suitable methods for the client's condition has become more common, and there is a growing emphasis on effective support based on scientific evidence.2. The Growth Model (Educational Model) ；This modelfocuses less on treating illness and more on fosteringpersonal growth, self-actualization, and finding a betterway of living. For concerns such as, "I feel a vague sense ofdifficulty in life for no reason," "I always repeat the samemistakes in relationships," or "I want to re-evaluate mylife and career," a counselor strives to deeply understandthe client's story. Through this dialogue, clients becomeaware of their own thought patterns and behavioralhabits, discovering for themselves how they can live moreauthentically in the future.21,818 suicides in 2023, according to the National Police Agency. The number of patients with mood disorders, including depression, is increasing annually, reaching approximately 1.12 million according to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Women account for a significant portion of these cases, at about 1.7 times the rate of men. While "counseling" and "psychotherapy" are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between them. Counseling primarily focuses on supporting clients to solve their problems proactively by listening deeply to their stories (active listening) and accepting their feelings and situations as they are (acceptance). On the other hand, psychotherapy is closer to a medical model and refers to specialized treatments conducted with the specific goal Counseling is not exclusively for individuals with mental illnesses. Its objectives can be broadly divided into two models.1. The Treatment Model (Medical Model) ；This approachaims to improve the symptoms of mental illness or reduceproblematic behaviors. It applies to cases where the goal isto treat diagnosed conditions such as depression, anxietydisorders, PTSD, adjustment disorders, and personalitydisorders. In Japan, the utilization rate of counseling to maintain mental health is significantly lower than in Western countries. This has become a contributing factor to the worsening of mental health issues in the country. According to OECD data, while 10-15% of the population in Western countries uses counseling services, the rate in Japan is only 6%. A survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare shows an increasing trend of employees taking leave or resigning due to mental health issue.WHO data indicates that Japan's suicide rate remains high among developed nations, with a provisional total of 4
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