Personal Facts

I was born and raised in Japan and moved to the U. S. over 27 years ago. I have been married to a Texan guy for 25 years and am the mother of a grown 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 then taught in a Specialized School in Japan and worked with children with severe developmental and physical challenges. Most of the children 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 appropriate sensory stimulation.

My Therapy Experience in NYC

I studied Art Therapy at the world’s 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. The program 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 and Bellevue

After I moved to Seattle in 1994, I worked as a mental health counselor/art therapist at Seattle Mental Health (name changed to “Sound” in 2017) for nine years. After that, I worked several years at Early Childhood and School-Based Programs. I have many years experience working with children, different health care providers and school systems, developing a multi system support approach to gain the maximum result for each child.
In 2000, I began my practice at a small counseling office in Northgate (Seattle) and opened the Seattle 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 contract work at the Highline School District and Childhaven.
I have had my main office/studio in Bellevue, WA since 2012. My practice in the Seattle studio is limited.
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.
Schedule an appointment online today.