Application of focusing-oriented psychotherapy in dealing with issues of Asian immigrants: A single-case study of a Korean immigrant in Japan

Abstract

A single case study is presented of the successful application of focusing-oriented therapy in the case of a Korean woman who migrated to Japan. The client had a host of problems related to the discrimination she faced from her own family and from Korean society for being female, as well as relationship and cultural difficulties in trying to adjust to married life in Japan. Through 10 sessions of focusing-oriented therapy, the client was able to re-examine her situation from a positive perspective and began to accept herself as a person, not necessarily as a woman or a Korean in Japan. Issues related to Korean women immigrants in Japan are explored and the related effectiveness of focusing-oriented therapy for the particular population is discussed. © Japanese Psychological Association 2011.