#Japan #mental health #Shibuya #MindBuddy #Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Transforming Mental Health Through Guided Online CBT

In response to contemporary mental health challenges, MindBuddy has launched five innovative programs specifically tailored for individuals grappling with issues such as low self-esteem, stress, and insomnia. These new offerings aim to enhance mental health through a guided approach to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), overseen by licensed psychologists.

The Rise of MindBuddy

MindBuddy, the company behind these groundbreaking programs, is committed to improving the accessibility of mental health care. Founded in October 2023 by President Yasuhiro Kojima, the organization is on a mission to provide people worldwide with freedom of mind and joy in daily life. By integrating video counseling with a user-friendly app, MindBuddy offers scientifically proven CBT at an affordable rate starting from ¥3,245 per session.

New Programs Designed for Specific Issues

The newly introduced CBT programs are designed to address various common grievances faced by modern individuals. Here’s a detailed look at each:

1. Assertion Training

Common Concerns:

• - Feeling guilty when declining requests.
• - Stress from not expressing oneself in interpersonal relationships.
• - Constantly appeasing others, neglecting personal needs.

CBT Approach:
Participants will learn effective communication techniques that honor both their needs and those of others. Exercises like checklists help assess current situations and learn different communication styles – non-assertive, aggressive, and balanced – to foster healthy relationships.

2. Self-Compassion

Common Concerns:

• - Being overly critical of oneself, leading to low self-esteem.
• - Difficulty accepting oneself due to past relational traumas.
• - Struggling to experience the benefits of CBT despite understanding its principles.

CBT Approach:
Through practice, participants will cultivate a compassionate relationship with themselves. By accepting personal pain and vulnerabilities, they can regain tranquility and a more favorable self-perception.

3. Relaxation Techniques

Common Concerns:

• - Lack of relaxation and constant tension.
• - Difficulty disconnecting from work-related thoughts at night.
• - Insomnia and physical stiffness arising from anxiety and tension.

CBT Approach:
Participants will learn relaxation methods, including breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation through guided audio resources. By finding a personalized relaxation technique and establishing a habit, they can create opportunities for mental and physical release from stress.

4. Mood Monitoring

Common Concerns:

• - An unexplained feeling of sadness.
• - Inability to track one’s stress levels or mood fluctuations.
• - Often reaching a point of complete exhaustion.

CBT Approach:
Participants will quantify their moods on a scale from 0 to 10, documenting their states objectively. Reviewing mood changes alongside daily events allows individuals to identify patterns and triggers, paving the way for effective stress management and prevention strategies.

5. Behavioral Activation

Common Concerns:

• - Inability to find motivation, leading to a downward spiral of inactivity.
• - Hesitation to engage in social activities due to fears of fatigue and disappointment.
• - Decreased opportunities to experience fulfillment and joy in daily life.

CBT Approach:
Rather than waiting for motivation to strike, participants will focus on identifying and amplifying actions that bring even slight mood improvements. By changing their behavior, they can enhance their mood and rekindle interest in life’s activities.

Accessible Therapy with a Personal Touch

MindBuddy's guided Internet-based CBT (ICBT) is a scientifically validated method that makes mental health care more accessible than ever. With professional support from licensed psychologists, users can work on their therapy assignments effectively and continue their mental health journey in a manageable and fulfilling way.

Final Thoughts

As mental health continues to be a pressing concern in our fast-paced world, initiatives like those from MindBuddy serve as a beacon of hope. By addressing individual needs with targeted programs and expert support, MindBuddy is pioneering a new frontier in mental health care.