It feels like I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to become a counselor, but I think one of the main reasons that led me to becoming a counselor is my experience growing up in a bicultural household. Being raised by my Japanese mother and American father, a lot of the Japanese culture and traditions were instilled in me since I was a child while I was growing up in America. One of the things I love about the Japanese culture is how the people act altruistically, meaning they act out of unselfish concern for the well-being of others. And this is exactly my mission as a counselor, as I walk alongside my clients’ journey of mental wellness.

My clinical experience includes working with families, with children in a school setting, and with those struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, and stress and anger management. My approach to counseling involves making the process a collaborative effort, meeting my clients where they are at, and with a culturally aware perspective.

I strongly believe that each individual’s experience of the world is inherently unique and valuable, and a person’s perception of the world is their reality. My #1 goal as a counselor is to create a safe space for my clients and honor that space during our time together.