LCSW, 18 years of experience
Hi, I’m Akemi. Welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who loves helping people over 30 navigate the messy middle of life- those seasons of transition, anxiety, and self-doubt that can leave you feeling stuck or unsure of your next steps. My passion is helping you sort through those feelings, rebuild confidence, and move forward with clarity and hope. For clients who want to bring faith into the process, I also provide Christian counseling, blending biblical truth with practical, evidence-based therapy. Whether your faith is the foundation of your life or just one piece of your journey, we’ll incorporate it in a way that feels authentic to you. I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a brain nerd. I enjoy teaching clients what’s happening in their mind and body, why it can feel so hard to break old habits, how subconscious thoughts drive behavior, and practical ways to retrain the nervous system. (Geeky? Yes. Helpful? Absolutely.) My style is warm, encouraging, and goal-focused. I’ll meet you right where you are with compassion, honesty, and this is the "judgement free zone", like Planet Fitness! Outside of the therapy room, I’ve authored two books, 15 Minute Journal Prompts for the Postpartum Mom and Mindful Mandalas for Moms and I’m currently working on my third book. While I don’t specialize in treating bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, or substance use disorders, I’m always happy to refer clients to trusted colleagues who do. At the heart of my work is a simple belief: therapy should feel like a safe, uplifting space where you can be yourself, work through what’s weighing on you, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want. It would be an honor to walk alongside you on that journey. Akemi McGoogan, MSW, LCSW
Our first session is all about getting to know you. You can expect a relaxed, judgment-free conversation where you set the pace. Some clients share a lot right away, while others take their time, both are completely okay. My role is to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and begin to understand your story. By the end of the session, we’ll identify a few starting points and discuss how we might work together moving forward. Think of it as laying the foundation for your therapy journey, not pressure to “figure it all out” in one sitting.
What makes my approach unique is the balance of practical tools, mindset work, and compassion. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, I tailor sessions to fit your needs, whether that means helping you manage anxious thoughts, build healthier habits, or find peace in the middle of a life transition. I like to explain why things feel the way they do, what’s happening in your brain, how your subconscious beliefs shape your choices, and why change can be so hard (and how to make it easier). Clients often tell me this makes therapy feel less intimidating and more empowering, because they understand what’s happening inside them.
I’m best positioned to work with women over 30 who are navigating life transitions, managing anxiety, or struggling with low self-esteem. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of who they are in this season of life. They’re often searching for clarity, confidence, and a sense of direction. My ideal clients are motivated to grow, even if they don’t feel like they have it all together yet. They’re open to learning about how the mind works, curious about new ways to reframe old patterns, and ready to take small but meaningful steps toward change.
I help clients understand how their thoughts influence their feelings and actions. Together, we work to reframe unhelpful thoughts, develop healthier coping strategies, and cultivate more adaptive behaviors.
I integrate faith-based principles and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to support individuals in their journey towards healing and spiritual growth. Through prayer, scripture study, and reflection, I help clients deepen their connection with God and discern His will for their lives.
I prioritize efficiency and practicality to help clients achieve their goals in a limited time frame. By focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, I guide clients to identify their strengths, resources, and previous successes. Through targeted questions and goal-setting techniques, we quickly hone in on specific, achievable objectives.
, I guide clients to cultivate present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of their thoughts, emotions, and sensations. Through mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and body scans, clients learn to observe their experiences without becoming overwhelmed by them.
In a mind-body approach to therapy, I integrate psychological techniques with practices that promote physical health and well-being. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body, emphasizing the impact of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors on physical health and vice versa. Through interventions such as relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and biofeedback, clients learn to harness the body's innate healing capacities and reduce symptoms of stress and illness. By
6 ratings with written reviews
July 31, 2025
My first session with Akemi was great. She was warm, inviting, and open to listen. She was relaxed which made it easier to share feelings with her without judgement.
July 4, 2025
She asked very direct questions to get to the crux of an issue without tap dancing around an issue. She also realized that she may not be the best option for me quickly and found a solution for me via three different options to select from before we went down the trail of therapy then realizing that we would require switching therapist.
May 30, 2025
Akemi profile showcased most of what I was looking for in a therapist. She provided some good insight on how to move forward until my next session.