“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Welcome!
Ayaka (pronounced “ah-YAH-kah”) is a Japanese-American therapist offering individual and couples therapy to clients navigating personal, relational, and emotional challenges. Whether someone is new to therapy or returning after time away, Ayaka provides a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore concerns and work toward meaningful, lasting change.
She specializes in supporting clients who often find themselves burned out from constantly being the “dependable” and “responsible” one. With a background in the corporate sector, Ayaka brings a unique understanding to her work with high-achieving adults, particularly those grappling with perfectionism and people-pleasing—patterns that frequently impact both professional and personal relationships.
Ayaka approaches therapy with deep respect for each client’s unique story. Her work is grounded in a holistic, evidence-based framework that integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based practices. Her goal is to help clients lighten the emotional burdens they carry and move from simply surviving to truly thriving.
Ayaka’s Clinical Background
Service Locations
Union Square office in NYC
Online in New York and New Jersey
Insurance Accepted
Aetna (including PPO, HMO, Meritain Health, 1199 SEIU National Benefits Fund and Aetna Student plans)
Wellfleet Student (NYU, School of Visual Arts, Sarah Lawrence College, etc.)
Northwell Direct
Out-Of-Network Benefits Reimbursement
Therapeutic Modalities
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT)
Trauma-Informed Care
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness-based Therapy
Clinical Expertise
Anxiety
People-pleasing
Perfectionism
Trauma
Third Culture Kid
Career Transitions
Client Focus
Interracial Couples
Working Professionals
Young Adults and Students - particularly MBA’s, law students, and international students
Immigrants
Third Culture Kids
Education
Masters of Art in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness, New York University
Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature, New York University
Certifications and Training
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Polyvagal Theory
Somatic Couples Therapy
Languages
English
Japanese
Licenses
New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LP)
New Jersey (Telehealth) Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LP)
How Ayaka Can Support You
In individual therapy, Ayaka supports clients addressing a variety of challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, and self-esteem. A key focus of her work is helping clients overcome people-pleasing behaviors and establish healthy boundaries, while fostering greater self-compassion and authenticity.
In couples therapy, Ayaka assists partners in improving communication, resolving conflicts with compassion, and deepening their connection. While strengthening the relationship is often the goal, her work also provides clarity and closure when partners decide to part ways.
As a bilingual therapist fluent in both Japanese and English, Ayaka is attuned to the cultural dynamics that influence identity and relationships. She offers culturally sensitive care, especially for those navigating bicultural relationships or familial expectations, and provides the option to conduct therapy in either language for clients connected to Japanese culture.
Influences: Gabor Maté, Kazuo Ishiguro, Brene Brown, Sue Johnson, Esther Perel
Ayaka’s Approach
Ayaka’s approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. Drawing from a blend of cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychodynamic exploration, and mindfulness-based interventions, she tailors her work to meet the unique needs of each individual or couple. Together, they explore patterns of thought, behavior, and emotion that may be keeping clients stuck, while building the skills necessary for meaningful change.
She also holds a deep belief in the mind-body connection and frequently incorporates mindfulness practices into sessions to help clients develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. Her holistic view of mental health recognizes that emotional well-being is closely linked with physical health and relationships.
Rituals: journaling, yoga, long walks with my dog, bedtime reading, lighting incense for meditation
Why Work With Ayaka?
What sets Ayaka apart is her commitment to understanding clients within the full context of their lives—including cultural background, family dynamics, and personal values. She has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially those from East Asian cultures or with bicultural identities.
Working with Ayaka feels like having a trusted, unbiased companion who creates space for clients’ most vulnerable experiences. She believes the therapist-client relationship is essential for growth and provides a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to make meaningful changes. Ayaka is a compassionate guide, supporting clients through every step of their healing journey.
Library: Set Boundaries, Find Peace (Nedra Glover Tawwab), Hold Me Tight (Sue Johnson), Digital Minimalism (Cal Newport), Break the Cycle (Mariel Buque), Man’s Search for Meaning (Viktor E. Frankl), Tiny Beautiful Things (Cheryl Strayed), What My Bones Know (Stephanie Foo)
About Ayaka Omoto
Ayaka was raised in Japan and moved to Los Angeles at the age of nine. Her first career was as a financial planner in Tokyo, where she specialized in death benefit payouts. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for supporting people through grief, which inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from New York University. Since then, Ayaka has further specialized in evidence-based trauma treatment and couples therapy.
Outside of her work, Ayaka enjoys taking long walks with her little anxious dog—who is currently learning to set healthy boundaries at the dog park—browsing the cookbook section of her local bookstore, and seeking out the best sushi in town (she’s always open to recommendations!).