Mineko Takada-Dill, MA, LMHC, ATR
- I have a BA in painting from Musashino Art University in Tokyo, Japan and completed a MA in Art Therapy from New York University in 1992.
- Over 18 years working as an art therapist and a counselor
- I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor as well as a Registered Art Therapist.
Personal Fact
I was born and raised in Japan and moved to the U. S. over 20 years ago. I have been married to a Texan guy for 18 years. I am the mother of a teen aged son.
I noticed the healing power of art when I felt much better after creating art images as a child. It helped me feel better even when things were not going well. I kept creating and eventually studied art in college.
Life Experience I had several different work experiences before becoming a therapist, which really helped me to understand our life in general. In my first job as a textile designer, I learned how to do a good job dealing effectively with job stress while maintaining relationships with my coworkers and bosses and how to balance work and personal life.
As a Japanese Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, I learned how to deal with the stress of living in a foreign country, to learn a new language and to respect differences.
I taught in a Specialized School in Japan and worked with children with severe developmental and physical challenges. Most of them had Cerebral Palsy and many had Autism. Art was a joy to them and I developed many techniques for them to express themselves while providing sensory stimulation.
My Therapy Experience inNYC
I studied Art Therapy at the oldest and pioneering Art Therapy Program at New York University, which was intense but rewarding. We learned three core precepts of art therapy; Psychology, Art Education, and Studio Art. This allowed me to work in the pediatric oncology center at Mt. Sinai Hospital, NYC, an adult mental health center (Bronx), and a nursing home (Queens) as an intern. After graduating in 1992, I worked at an Outpatient Drug/Alcohol Treatment Center in Brooklyn, NY.
My Therapy Experience in Seattle
After I moved to Seattle in 1994, I worked as a mental health counselor/art therapist at Seattle Mental Health (SMH) for nine years. I have worked at Early Childhood and School-Based Programs. I am experienced working with children, different health care providers and school systems, developing a multi system support approach to gain the maximum result for each child.
Since 2000, I have had a small counseling office in Northgate (Seattle) and opened a studio in 2004 when I left SMH. I work with adults, teens, and children and their family members in both settings. I have also done contracted work at the Highline School District and Childhaven.
Regardless of your difficulties in life, your age or cultural background, I am pleased to guide you through to regain happiness providing one of a kind therapy tailored for you. Please feel free to e-mail me through the secure appointment page or call me at 206.276.4975.
