A Natural Approach to Mental Wellness: Japanese Psychology and the Skills We Need for Psychological and Spiritual Health

I started out quite skeptical thinking this book likely would be another feel good type of approach like so many other similar books. I was pleasantly surprised. One technique the author suggests and explains is Naikan. It caught my interest and the next day, while running errands, I made notes to partake of the technique. Amazing! The list of supporting efforts was very, very, very long. And I felt great just having run some ordinary errands. So great that I have continued to practice the technique. There are other techniques and approaches the author covers and they all have value. This book is a keeper.

I really like this book. What I appreciate about it is the practical approach to mental wellness that avoids most of the psychobabble that has become so much a part of popular culture in the West. This approach uses the heritage of Japanese psychology and develops a way of living and being based on positive action, gratitude and helpfulness to others. It avoids the incessant navel-staring of so many contemporary Western disciplines and actually undermines the assumptions of them---i.e. the idea that talking about your feelings helps release them. Actually, says this author, talking about your feelings usually helps you become more attached to them rather than releasing them. Instead, the author suggests acknowledging the feeling and then choosing consciously an action or series of constructive actions in the midst of, or despite, that feeling. Soon, the actions actually shift the feeling. Things like this fly in the face of what's become the conventional wisdom about everyday mental health and wellness. I like this approach---it's practical, simple, humane, grounded, and lacks drama. God knows most of us could use less drama.

Three author does an excellent job of explaining Eastern approaches to Western maladies. I am from the southern US working in Asia right now, and it has been a very challenging adjustment for me. The Asian attitude toward work and acceptance of circumstances is completely different. Reading this book has been very helpful for me in learning how to operate more efficiently and with less stress, anxiety, and depression, while accomplishing more. Highly recommended reading.

A Natural Approach to Mental Wellness is a great book. The American approach to mental illness is disgraceful. The professionals just give drugs as the solution. Krech and the Japanese view gives people in need an alternative. All mental health professionals should have to read this book.

Plainly written with helpful suggestions on facing our mental health issues.

One of the best I've ever read. Simple, direct, effective therapy involving a recognition of how the world supports us all. Clearly written in simple language - but what profound concepts. Start with this & then move on to Naikan, by the same author.

very useful perspective.

His books are,a life changer only wish there were more.

Excellent so far, just started readingWill give full report when finished...

Un libro scritto in modo semplice, chiaro ma dal contenuto molto profondo e innovativo per la nostra cultura occidentale! Stra-consigliato! Sua per gli addetti ai lavori che ai non!

The book is clear and easy to read.I was expecting to learn more about morita but it has good examples.