Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 142778)
Psychotherapy for Individuals & Couples
My Approach
I see therapy as a non-shaming, collaborative process that invites you to come home to yourself. Whatever you might be going through or wondering about, it is worthy of attention and care. I work relationally, meaning our relationship is a central part of the work. It allows us to explore the root of your experiences with genuine trust and depth.
I aim to create a safe space with warmth, dignity, kindness, and creativity. Most importantly, I will meet you wherever you are at. I believe effective therapy allows for you to be reacquainted with your strengths that have helped you survive until this point. We can work towards healing the past and finding peace with the present.
I value equity and agency for all clients. I am informed by social justice and cultural humility, honoring each individual within the context of intersecting systems of oppression and privilege. I integrate attachment, narrative, and somatic orientations to help clients heal from developmental trauma, disrupt unwanted patterns, and live more authentically and joyfully.
About Me
I am a mixed race Japanese-American woman, currently working as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist both in private practice and in community mental health at the Southern California Counseling Center (SCCC) in Watts and Mid-City.
I completed my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at USC. I had the opportunity to train (and continue to work) at the Southern California Counseling Center (SCCC), where I gained experience working with a diverse community of kids, teens, adults, as well as groups. I led groups focused on anger management, domestic violence, and mindfulness-based stress reduction through the lens of social justice and community healing. I am currently co-facilitating healing circles for young people in partnership with a program called GRYD (Gang Reduction and Youth Development) in Watts.
I also had the opportunity to train at OPICA, a day care center for older folks and their families going through memory loss and dementia, where I worked with individuals, facilitated groups, and led art therapy with clients.
Areas of Focus
I see a wide variety of clients, and particularly specialize in: trauma, anxiety, narcissistic abuse recovery, family and relational dynamics, life transitions, grief, and kids/adult children impacted by divorce/separation. I have completed EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) training as well as CRM (The Community Resiliency Model) which facilitate healing through the mind-body connection. These modalities assist in processing trauma through the nervous system and finding more safety in the present moment.
Services
Individual Therapy
The therapeutic relationship can be powerful and assist in self-exploration of any kind. Whether that be feelings of worry, sadness, disempowerment, or renewed feelings of excitement and overwhelm. Together, we can assist you in unburdening anything that is no longer serving you and finding your way back to yourself.
I am seeing children 8+, teens, adults, and older adults.
Couples/Relational Therapy
We can get stuck in the same patterns bubbling up, miscommunications, and blocks to intimacy. Whether you are facing serious challenges, hoping to deepen your relationship, or just want to air some issues out, relationship therapy can be a useful place to collaborate. I work with partners with a variety of issues and am queer and poly affirming.