Makoto Ikegami profile image

Makoto Ikegami

Makoto Ikegami

(he/him)

LCSW-C
15 years of experience
Virtual

Hello, I'm Makoto Ikegami, a therapist who helps people who have been through really tough times. I have a lot of experience with things like trauma, feeling really down, and struggling with addictive behaviors. I work with each person to give them the support and tools they need to feel better and live a happier life. My aim is to create a caring and understanding environment where you can talk about what's been hard for you and take steps towards a better, more satisfying life.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

During the first session, clients can expect a friendly and comfortable environment where they can talk about their stories, concerns, and goals. We'll talk about privacy, how therapy works, and any worries they might have. I'll ask some questions to understand their needs better, and together, we'll start planning their treatment. By the end of the session, clients will have a clearer idea of what comes next and hopefully feel hopeful and empowered as we start this journey together.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my caring approach, commitment to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients, and ability to customize therapy to meet their specific needs. I have a deep understanding of difficult experiences, feeling really down, and struggling with addictive behaviors, allowing me to offer specialized support and strategies for healing and growth. Additionally, my dedication to ongoing learning and professional development ensures that I am always using the best techniques to help my clients.

About Makoto Ikegami

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that helps people deal with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It works by helping individuals recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors. In simple terms, CBT teaches people to understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. By using techniques like changing harmful thinking, trying new behaviors, and facing fears safely, people can learn healthier ways to cope and break free from unhelpful patterns. In my work, I can provide examples of how CBT techniques are used in therapy sessions. This could include discussing challenging, unhelpful thoughts, setting achievable goals, and practicing relaxation.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a type of counseling that focuses on understanding a person's needs and helping them make positive changes in their life. It's really helpful for dealing with things like addiction or habits that are not good for us. MI involves working with the counselor to talk about what's important to you, what you want to achieve, and what might stop you from making changes. It's all about encouraging and supporting you to find your reasons to make a positive change.

Trauma Informed Care

As a therapist, my main focus is on providing care that is sensitive to the impact of trauma. This means that I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for my clients where they can feel comfortable without fearing being judged. I understand how trauma can affect people, and I always keep this in mind when helping my clients. I aim to help my clients become more muscular and heal from their experiences by recognizing and respecting their feelings and experiences throughout our time together.

Humanistic

As a therapist, I make sure to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients. I understand how difficult experiences can affect people, and I try to consider this in my work. I also focus on the idea that everyone has value and the potential to grow. By being understanding, promoting self-acceptance, and helping people feel more in control, I aim to guide clients in understanding themselves better and dealing with their past. My goal is to help people become stronger, heal, and work towards being happy and fulfilled.

Psychoanalytic

I use a therapeutic approach that pays attention to your past experiences and how they affect the way you think and feel. I aim to provide a complete healing experience, helping you become more self-aware and emotionally healthy.