Online training for psychotherapists in Asian contexts: Advantages, challenges, and effective features

Online education and training are an integral part of mainstream education and training for psychotherapists. There already exist a number of international studies examining the effectiveness, advantages, and challenges of online education for psychotherapists in the western context. However, with regard to Asian context, these studies remain limited. Thus, this present study investigated the cultural advantages, challenges, and effective features of online education
among Japanese psychotherapists. Data were collected through semi structured interviews, wherein thematic analysis identified sets of themes related to the above mentioned factors of online education for Japanese psychotherapists. As per our findings, online education is suitable for Japanese psychotherapists as many of them have busy schedules, making it hard to attend face-to-face classes. Particularly, they value geographical flexibility, time and cost savings, and self-paced learning. Additionally, it should be highlighted that, compared with face-to-face education, the contents of online education should be carefully designed to actively enhance the quality of interaction and connection, stimulate interest, and promote engagement in tasks among Japanese
psychotherapists.