I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with diverse experience in social services and healthcare fields. My expertise is in helping individuals cope with life's various challenges. I have a variety of experiences working with children and families with issues related to child welfare system, court or non-court custody related issues, legal guardianship related issues and parenting issues. I am very passionate about helping individuals and couples with relationship and family dynamics issues. I am bilingual in English and Japanese. Growing up in Japan, I was taught to be modest and humble, and also to always be mindful of others. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My belief is highlighted when interacting with clients as I use a client-centered approach.

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

My regular availability is on weekends, but an intake can happen on weekday nights. If you are good with my availability, what do you think about scheduling an initial session to explore if we are a good match? I do this not only to get more information about what is going on with you, but also to give you an opportunity to "shop around" other therapists. I'd also like to see if I'm equipped to work on the issues you are presenting. I do recommend that you shop around, because I respect everyone's choices, especially for important things like deciding who you want to disclose your personal issues to. This process is about you and for you, and you should be able to accept or decline this opportunity without feeling obligated in any way. We already have enough to worry about, wouldn't you agree? At the end of the first session, I'd like to discuss whether you'd like to schedule a next session or shop around. For those that decide to continue, here's what will happen in the next session: intake, which consists of gathering emergency contact information; bio-psychosocial assessment; and setting a preliminary goal if time permits.

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

Throughout the years of my helping profession, I have worked with clients from 0 to 110 years old of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds! I have experiences providing intensive case management services to caregivers/families and elderly residents, particularly family members of dementia patients in convalescent facility settings. I can also explore resources together for parents who have children with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder.

About Michelle Ikeda

Appointments