“Sometimes the things that protect us from pain become double-edged swords, but you don’t have to be your own enemy.”
Welcome!
I am a Japanese-American therapist (my name is pronounced “ah-YAH-kah”) offering individual and couples therapy to clients navigating personal, relational, and emotional challenges. Whether you’re a first-time client or returning to therapy, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can explore your concerns and work towards lasting change.
I specialize in supporting clients who often find themselves burnt out from always feeling like the “dependable” and “responsible” one. Based on my experience in the corporate sector, I particularly enjoy working with high-achieving adults struggling with perfectionism and people-pleasing behaviors, especially as these challenges often show up in their work and relationships.
I approach therapy with a deep respect for your unique story, offering a holistic, evidence-based framework that draws from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based practices. My goal as a therapist is to lighten the burdens you bear, and to help you shift from surviving to thriving.
My Clinical Background
Service Locations
Union Square office in NYC
Online in New York and New Jersey
Insurance Accepted
Aetna (including PPO, HMO, and Aetna Student plans)
Wellfleet Student (NYU, School of Visual Arts, Sarah Lawrence College, etc.)
Out-Of-Network Benefits Reimbursement
Therapeutic Modalities
Trauma-Informed Care
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness-based Therapy
Clinical Expertise
Trauma
Anxiety
OCD
ADHD and Academic Issues
Cultural and Immigrant Issues
Eating Disorders
EMDR
Couples Therapy
Client Focus
Young Adults and Adults
International Students
Immigrants and First/Second Generation
East Asian Identities
BIPOC Identies
Couples
Education
Masters of Art in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness, New York University
Bachelor of Arts in Popular Narratives, Languages, and Society, New York University
Certifications and Training
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Lic. 013600
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
EMDR
Somatic Couples Therapy
STAIR-NST Training
CBT-E Training
Certified Mindfulness-Informed Professional
Languages
English
Mandarin
Licenses
New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor
New Jersey (Telehealth) Licensed Mental Health Counselor
How I Can Support You
I use trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches blending mind and body to get real results. Using CBT, we’ll reframe unhelpful thoughts; with ACT, you’ll embrace emotions and commit to values-driven action. EMDR helps process past traumas, while IFS connects and heals different parts of yourself. Every method is tailored to honor your cultural background, ensuring deeply meaningful, effective therapy.
Influences: Frank Anderson, The Healing Power of Breath by Richard P. Brown and Patricia L. Gerbarg, My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem, Brené Brown, Russ Harris
My Approach
Personal experience navigating my Asian identity in different cultural contexts allows me to offer a nuanced understanding of your challenges. At the same time, my assimilated American perspective helps me connect with a diverse range of clients, regardless of cultural background. I am LGBTQIA+ afirming.
I am expertly trained in science backed and well-researched modalities including: CBT, EXP for OCD, ACT, EMDR. I assist couples in building stronger relationships by addressing cultural differences, improving communication, and fostering deeper connections.
Rituals: music and singing, daily gratitude, mindfulness, reading fiction, creative writing, stargazing
Why Work With Me?
My work extends beyond bicultural individuals. Having fully assimilated into American culture, I understand that change, anxiety, and growth are universal. My inclusive approach supports anyone navigating life’s challenges. I’ll support you in uncovering your strengths and using them to navigate life’s complexities. I also bring unique clinical expertise to help couples enhance communication, connection, and navigate cultural differences.
Library: Overcoming Anxiety (Dennis Tirch), A Liberated Mind (Stephen Hayes), What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat (Aubrey Gordon), The Body is Not an Apology (Sonya Renee Taylor), The ACT Workbook for OCD (Marisa T Mazz), Maybe You Should Talk to Someone (Lori Gottlieb), Understand Your Brain, Get More Done (Ari Tuckman)
About Me
Living between cultures can be both enriching and challenging. As someone who has moved between China and the U.S., I understand the unique pressures of balancing Asian identity with life in a Western society. Whether you're an international student adjusting to a new country, an immigrant finding your way, or simply someone grappling with life transitions, I'm here to help. I offer sessions in both Mandarin and English to support you in the language that feels most comfortable.