Hi! My name is Aki. Therapy has a special place in my heart because both as a client and a therapist, I've been awestruck by the transformative power of this simple act of talking to someone you trust. Therapy helped me get through some of the most difficult times of my life, and I absolutely cherish that I'm now able to share the gift of therapy with my clients.

What I love most about therapy is the human connection I make with my clients. I love when we can share genuine moments of joy, sadness, and even awkwardness. I believe that more than anything else, the relationship between the therapist and the client is what creates change and growth. Why, do you ask? It’s because you already have the potential and power to lead a meaningful life and it's just the matter of noticing, accepting, and tapping into what makes you, you. Therapy can offer you a safe space where you can be your authentic self without the need for filter or censorship.

As your therapist, my job is to facilitate and co-create a space like this with you. I can't promise you that I will have a perfect answer and solution to all of your problems. But one thing I can promise you is that no matter what you share in the therapy room, I will listen to you without judgment, and see you and honor you as a whole person who is doing their best.

It's super understandable to be nervous about therapy; I was too at first. It takes an immense amount of courage to open up about the most vulnerable parts of you. I will always walk with you at your pace, and never rush you or force you to go where you're not ready to go. With that said, let's also celebrate the progress you've already made; the fact that you're reading this shows an immense amount of courage and willingness to take the first step toward leading a meaningful life.

My Clinical Specialties:

Social Anxiety:
Have you ever felt like you want to connect with others, but your anxiety stops you? It can be really debilitating and confusing to be limited by your fear of social embarrassment and judgment, when there's another part of you wanting to connect. Let's address your social anxiety by first being curious about it. We can explore what types of social situations feel most difficult and what your anxiety is trying to achieve by keeping you from others. Once we help your anxious part to feel understood and safe, you can move one step closer to being yourself and making meaningful social connections.

Perfectionism / Work Stress / Burnout:
Do you feel like you can never relax, like there's always more to do? You may wake up in the middle of the night to check your work email, "just in case", or may never enjoy time with your loved ones without the thought of work looming in the back of your head. Perfectionism can show up in many aspects of life but it can especially exacerbate work related issues such as stress and burnout. As debilitating as it can be, I like to think of our perfectionism as trying to serve a purpose, maybe like our immune system going on an overdrive. Instead of judging and criticizing your perfectionism, what if you asked questions? Like what is your perfectionism trying to achieve? Why does it feel the need to push you to the limit? What can you do to help it feel safe, and ultimately let you free? Once you can understand and harness the power of your perfectionism, you can focus on things that are actually meaningful to you.

Life Transitions:
Change is hard. Any transition in life, big or small, can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. I'm originally from Japan, and I've experienced many changes in my life. Maybe you've moved to a new country or city, or perhaps you're looking for a new job, or you have experienced a major shift in interpersonal relationships. Having someone to support you unconditionally as you navigate a challenging period can be immensely empowering.

College Experiences:
I might look old because of my mustache, but I was a student not so long ago. While college can be exhilarating, it can also challenge you in unique ways. You may be away from home for the first time, meeting many new people can feel overwhelming, and you may be exploring different aspects of your identity. Why not work with someone who can relate to your unique challenges so that you can spend less energy on your worries and stress, and instead focus on making the most of this very unique and precious time in your life?

Thank you for reading along. It will be my absolute honor to be a part of your wellness journey. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate with the State of Washington (MC61568613). I regularly seek consultation from colleagues as well as my licensed supervisor, Katherine Walter, MSW, LICSW, CSW-G (LICSW #LW 60136151).