LCSW, 6 years of experience
Hello I'm Risa! I am a licensed clinical social worker/therapist. I am passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel seen, heard, and empowered. My approach is centered around building a strong therapeutic relationship, meeting you where you are, and walking alongside you as you navigate life's challenges. I use various evidence-based modalities in order to address presenting issues.
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment where you will have the opportunity to share your concerns and goals. We will spend some time discussing your history, current issues, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. I will also explain my therapeutic approach and answer any questions you may have, Together, we will begin to establish a foundation for our work, ensuring that you feel comfortable and understood as we explore your unique experiences. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable and supported right from the start.
I do believe that I can build strong therapeutic rapport with most clients because of my compassion and of having lived experiences as a mixed-race first-generation immigrant from Japan. Whatever you are currently struggling with, I want you to know that you are not alone. I am passionate about collaborating with my clients interested in exploring the role of race, ethnicity, gender identity, class, disability status, sexual orientation, and religion in their lives. The psychotherapy services I provide use a holistic and social justice-informed lens. I have worked in various clinical settings including a substance use treatment center, a community mental health clinic, a non-profit organization, a home-based intervention program and a telehealth mental health clinic.
I am best positioned to serve clients who are motivated to work on their personal growth, as well as those seeking support to understand the root causes of their emotional distress. I thrive in creating a collaborative therapeutic environment where we can explore challenges together. My high level of empathy allows me to genuinely connect with clients, ensuring that their well-being is at the forefront of our work. Whether you're looking to make changes in your life or gain deeper insights into your feelings, I'm here to support you every step of the way. I received intensive training at the San Diego LGBT Center under the mentorship of a clinical psychologist for one year during my graduate studies. I also have a keen understanding of the acculturation challenges experiences by immigrants, especially Asian populations in the United States.
I am trained in DBT so that we can work together to increase your capacity to sit with emotions and make values-based choices.
I offer relational therapy by being authentic and present with my clients. I pay attention to what shows up between us and use that to help you understand your patterns in relationships. It is about building trust and exploring what it feels like to be seenn and understood.
DBT combined with a strength-based approach focuses on enhancing client's emotional regulation and interpersonal skills while highlighting their inherent resilience and strengths. Through our work together, I encourage you to identify and use your existing coping mechanisms, promoting a sense of agency and empowerment in your healing journey. I am certified in DBT which offers practical skills that can be effective in regulation emotions, core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness skills, distress tolerance skills. This treatment is effective not only for individuals who are diagnosed with BPD but for other conditions including but not limited to substance use disorder, PTSD, mood disorder, adjustment disorder, ADHD, OCD etc.