Hello, this is Yumi
About Me
I came to the United States from the rather culturally homogeneous country of Japan. It was a wonder to expose myself to a diverse culture and to speak a second language. I experienced a volatile period of transition and acculturation and I raised two mixed-race children. As I appreciate this environment I was given in many ways, I recognize the impact the distance from my family and country of origin has had on me. I understand the yearning for belonging and the duplicity of adapting to a new culture and home. This personal history of mine informs how I work as a therapist.
my APPROACH
I feel privileged at the opportunity to connect and walk side-by-side with you as we explore your life experiences. I will listen to you and meet you where you are at without judgement. As a Japanese woman, I experience the power of connecting to my ancestral lineage and the collective unconsciousness. Both play important roles in healing trauma; they allow us to connect to something greater than ourselves. I am an intuitive therapist and use creativity in my work clients. I pay close attention to spiritual issues and use that knowledge in the healing process.
I welcome diverse people with differing socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, gender identities, abilities, body sizes, and sexual orientations. As an immigrant woman who speaks English as a second language, I see hierarchical socioeconomic structures which systematically create and maintain prejudices, discrimination, and oppression. All of these experiences impact the human psyche and produce feelings of being stuck. I empower you to move forward, get out of the box, and embrace who you really are.
As a therapist, I do not hesitate to ask direct questions and challenge you. I am non-judgmental, warm, supportive and deeply caring. I listen with an open heart.
education, Training and Experience
Jissen Junior College - Japanese Language & Literature
Clark University - Political Science
San Francisco State University - MS Counseling (LPCC #6631)
Clinical Counselor at Asian Community Mental Health - Oakland
Crisis Counselor + School Counselor + Group Therapist at Crisis Support Services - Alameda County
Clinical Counselor at Unity Charter High School - Oakland
Advanced Training Program in relational couples therapy at the Women’s Therapy Center - Berkeley
I am specially trained to work with people with relationship issues, PTSD, grief, and anxiety/depression. I work well with people with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder and Bipolar I and II diagnoses. I worked for many years as an academic counselor for international college students.
