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Welcome! My name is Ayaka (pronounced “ah-YAH-kah”), and I’m a Japanese-American therapist 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.
Multicultural Expertise
As a bilingual therapist fluent in both Japanese and English, I’m sensitive to the cultural dynamics that shape our identities. Whether you’re navigating bicultural relationships or managing familial expectations, I offer culturally attuned care, and for those connected to Japanese culture, I provide the option of therapy in either language.
How I Can Support You
In individual therapy, I help clients address a range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, and self-esteem. A key focus of my work is guiding clients in overcoming people-pleasing behaviors and setting healthy boundaries, fostering self-compassion and authenticity.
In couples therapy, I help partners improve communication, resolve conflicts in a more compassionate way, and ultimately deepen their connection. While the goal is often to strengthen the relationship, it can also offer clarity and closure if partners decide to part ways.
My Therapeutic Approach
My therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. Using a blend of cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychodynamic exploration, and mindfulness-based interventions, I tailor my work to meet the unique needs of each individual or couple I work with. Together, we’ll explore the patterns of thought, behavior, and emotion that may be keeping you stuck, and I’ll support you in building the skills needed for change.
I also believe deeply in the mind-body connection and often incorporate mindfulness practices into my sessions to help clients cultivate greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. I take a holistic view of mental health, acknowledging that our emotional well-being is closely intertwined with our physical and relational health.
Why Work With Me?
What sets me apart is my commitment to understanding you within the full context of your life, including your cultural background, family dynamics, and personal values. I have extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from East Asian cultures or those navigating bicultural identities.
Working with me feels like having a trusted, unbiased companion who creates space for your most vulnerable experiences. I believe the therapist-client relationship is essential for growth, and I provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel empowered to make meaningful changes in your life. I’ll be your guide, supporting you through every step of the journey.
About Me
I was raised in Japan and moved to Los Angeles at age nine. After earning my undergraduate degree from NYU, I worked as a financial planner dealing with death benefit payouts in Tokyo, where I discovered my passion for helping people navigate through grief. This led me to pursue my M.A. in Mental Health Counseling at NYU, with additional training in trauma-informed care.
Outside of sessions, you’ll find me enjoying a long walk with my little anxious dog (he’s learning how to set healthy boundaries at the dog park), perusing the cookbook section in my local bookstore, or seeking out the best sushi in town (recommendations welcome!)
I am committed to providing inclusive and affirming psychotherapy to support all identities. I am LGBTQIA++ affirming, sex-positive, and culturally attuned.
Our team of experts are licensed psychotherapists, trauma professionals, and somatic educators focused on empowering you through mind-body literacy.
