About Me
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #150796
I am a human committed to learning, healing, and growing. I am a fourth generation Japanese-Okinawan American cisgender heterosexual female, pronouns she/her.
I received my Masters of Science in counseling from California State University, Fullerton. I have experience working in private practice, group practice, and community agency settings. My clinical work has primarily consisted of providing individual and family services for POC adolescent and adults.
I am a wife and a mother. I am an INFP (a mediator) and enneagram 6w5 (a loyalist). I am a proud Hufflepuff, cat mom (my cat occasionally makes an appearance during sessions), and Disney fanatic. I love rainy days, musical theatre, and comedy sitcoms. I identify as a highly sensitive person-I am a big feeler, deep processor, and highly attuned to the world around me. Some nourishing practices that help me recharge include traveling with my family, seeing my therapist, and sitting by the ocean.
I currently work with a group of beloved colleagues at Jenny Moon Therapy.
Education:
Master’s of Science in Counseling, California State University, Fullerton
Professional Affiliations:
California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists, Long Beach & South Bay Chapter
Approach
I work from a relational attachment based, client-centered approach and integrate mindfulness & somatic based practices (i.e. breathwork, movement, mindful awareness). I utilize reflective questions, gentle reframing, and provide education on trauma/stress responses when appropriate to help clients make sense of their experiences and befriend their inner world. I believe cultivating a safe therapeutic relationship with clients can help calm the body’s stress responses and create helpful shifts in our interactions with the self & others. While I am trained and credentialed, I believe you are the expert of your life and therapy is done at your pace and in your timing. I strive to provide a warm & authentic presence to help folks feel seen, heard, and validated. It is my hope to help clients increase curiosity, understanding, and compassion while reducing self-criticism, shame, and blame.
As a fourth-generation Japanese Okinawan American woman, I value the intersectionality of my clients’ identities and work to provide a safe space to explore identity, experience authenticity, and honor oneself. I have a special interest in exploring intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, and racial trauma as it pertains to the AAPI community. Japanese American (JA) mental health is especially close to my heart and I am particularly interested in the mental health and wellness of the sansei+ community (3rd generation and beyond). I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and I strive to provide a safe space for those who are navigating their faith/spirituality and sexual and/or gender identities.