Educated and trained in the United States, I am a board certified counselor by NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors). I have a Master of Science degree in Counseling from San Francisco State University where the strong focus was placed on multicultural competence. Although I was initially trained in more traditional talk therapies, my interest in an experiential, mindfulness-based approach grew stronger as a result of my background/interest in Buddhist psychology/philosophy and training in Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy.
I have provided counseling/psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults of various cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds at settings such as a substance abuse residential treatment center, elementary school, college and non-profit agency. I've worked with clients presenting a wide range of issues including but not limited to: substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, cultural adjustment, grief, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, crisis interventions, disruptive behaviors.
I was born and raised in Japan, and moved to the United States at age 17. I spent almost 20 years there before relocating to Geneva due to my husband's work. I'm a mom to a child who you might call a "third culture kid."
I am curious and passionate, and deeply care about assisting people in finding out what is true for them and how to live accordingly. I practice Vipassana meditation, which helps me come back to my center in a life that can be chaotic and challenging at times. My deeply held values include connection, compassion and courage.
