Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of psychotherapy is most commonly expressed with the borrowed term サイコセラピー or the native term 心理療法. The choice depends on context and nuance.
The treatment of mental or emotional disorders through psychological techniques.
The standard Japanese term for psychotherapy, used in clinical and academic contexts.
彼は心理療法を受けている。
He is undergoing psychotherapy.
A loanword from English, often used in more casual or modern contexts, but understood widely.
サイコセラピーに興味があります。
I'm interested in psychotherapy.
A more formal or medical term, sometimes used interchangeably with 心理療法, but can emphasize the medical aspect.
精神療法の効果が認められている。
The effectiveness of psychotherapy is recognized.
Referring to particular schools or methods of psychotherapy.
Many specific therapies are named by combining a descriptor with 療法 (therapy). For example, 認知行動療法 (cognitive behavioral therapy).
認知行動療法はうつ病に効果的です。
Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for depression.
Often used for counseling or talk therapy, which is a common form of psychotherapy. It can be used broadly.
カウンセリングを受けてみませんか？
Why don't you try counseling?
心理療法 (shinri ryōhō) is the more common term in psychology and everyday use. 精神療法 (seishin ryōhō) is used more in medical or psychiatric contexts, but they are often interchangeable.
心理療法士として働いています。
I work as a psychotherapist.
In Japan, カウンセリング (counseling) is often used to refer to psychotherapy in a less clinical, more approachable way. It's common in settings like school counseling or employee assistance programs.