I use a person-centered, empowerment-focused approach. I believe everyone has strengths and potential to emerge on the other side, given unconditional positive regard. I strive to create a radically safe space in which clients feel seen, heard and validated. My goal to collaborate with you to explore what safe space looks like or means to you in today's world. I meet where the client is, and together we appreciate their needs and know that their needs and feelings do matter. I do require weekly appointment for new clients for 1-2 months depending on the severity of presenting problems. It is difficult to build therapeutic rapport, complete assessments without meeting weekly at least for a month. We may discuss biweekly sessions, and new clients would benefit most from weekly, long-term therapy services in my practice. I specialize in complex PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues and women's issues. I practice culturally responsive treatment, and intersectionality guides my practice. I am certified in DBT and tailor treatment based on the client's unique presenting concerns and needs, drawing from CBT, DBT, coaching techniques, Solution Focused Approach, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family System and body-based approach. I am currently available on the Zoom Pro platform only. I do not work with court-mandated cases, or custody cases involving law. Education: San Diego State Unversity, Masters in Social Work (Clinical Concentration) University of California, Los Angeles, BA in Sociology Languages: English Japanese Some Thai Some Chinese
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first therapy session, my goal is to establish a safe and supportive space for the client to openly share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I typically begin by introducing myself, explaining the therapy process, and discussing confidentiality and the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. We will also discuss: reasons for seeking therapy, their goals, and any specific issues they may have. questions, and offer empathy to encourage the client to share their experiences. relationships, and relevant life events.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
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 received a year-long intensive clinical training at the San Diego LGBT Center under the mentorship of a clinical psychologist and I am passionate about providing LGBTQIA-affirming care. I am compassionate, and I am committed to co-creating a radically safe space for you to process and explore your inner struggles, turmoil and the past. My mission is to normalize your feelings, thoughts and reactions toward the adverse events that happened to you, and to instill a sense of hope through our work together.
About Risa Jinunarux-Shibata, LCSW, MSW, C-DBT
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Strength-Based
In a strength-based approach, I collaborate with clients to identify the inherent resilience and strengths of individuals who have experienced trauma, life transitions and challenges. Instead of focusing on "what is wrong", I would like to foster a collaborative therapeutic environment, I encourage clients to identify their coping mechanisms, personal resources, and support system. Clients are empowered to reclaim their narrative, build self-efficacy, and cultivate hope, ultimately facilitating healing and growth. I use integrative approach which focuses on strength-based trauma informed care in order to promote your sense of agency, inner strength and overall wellness through our work together.
Attachment-based
I strive to create a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment that fosters secure attachments, allowing clients to explore their emotional experiences and relational dynamics. I collaborate with clients to recognize early attachment experiences and develop healthier connection patterns and improve emotional regulation together. We will build trust, explore vulnerabilities, and engage in meaning self-reflection through our therapy together.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I help clients to identify their strengths and resources to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. By focusing on solutions rather than problems, we work together to identify and build on successes, no matter how small. Through this collaborative and goal-oriented approach, clients can develop a clearer vision of their desired future, gain momentum towards positive change, and overcome obstacles with increased confidence.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
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.
Mind-body approach
We will focus on the interconnectedness of mental and physical wellbeing in the therapeutic process. By incorporating mindfulness practices, body-based techniques and self-awareness into therapy, we can help you recognize how emotions manifest in the body and influence overall health. I strive to empower clients to develop healthier coping strategies, improve self-awareness, and create a deeper understanding of your overall wellbeing, ultimately facilitating healing and resilience.