Approach

My approach is underscored by my belief that all people are inherently resourceful, creative, and deserving of a life filled with purpose and belonging.

I work in a manner that is collaborative and client-centered. I believe in building strong relationships that prioritize authenticity, trust, and respect. My work is firmly grounded in empirically-supported theories, intersectional feminism, and the biopsychosocial model. My style is informal, conversational, and when appropriate, playful. I work with grief, and recognize loss to be a personal process, with no time line. You will not be pressured to ‘move on’. My work is trauma-informed, and eclectic. I draw from Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, neuroscience, mindfulness-based, and somatic approaches.

About Me

From a young age, I felt that my calling was to support people in their healing journeys and to help create a world where there is compassion and equity for all. I am a fourth-generation Japanese Canadian whose ancestors faced oppression and racism. Due to their experiences, I feel a heightened responsibility to work in a way that honors diversity and cultural sensitivity. I have worked with marginalized communities in the Vancouver area in various roles, ranging from working with young offenders to providing health services to vulnerable individuals. I have 20 years of experience teaching yoga to seniors, have trained in yoga therapy, and worked as a nutritionist for over 14 years. I have experienced loss, grief, and my own shadow sides. I believe that these periods of struggle and suffering have helped me become more aware, compassionate, and resilient.

The world will ask you who you are, and if you don’t know, the world will tell you.

~Carl Jung