I'm a licensed therapist with experience helping people manage stress, burnout, and life challenges. My approach is straightforward and supportive, focusing on practical ways to regain balance and feel more in control. I provide a space where you can talk openly without pressure, and together, we'll figure out what works best for you. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling with workplace demands, or just need a place to process things, I'm here to help.

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

The first session is both a conversation and a clinical assessment—a chance for us to see if working together makes sense. I’ll ask about what’s bringing you to therapy, what’s been on your mind, and what you’re hoping to get out of this process. There’s no pressure to share everything right away, and if you’re not sure where to start, that’s completely fine. As part of the clinical assessment, I’ll ask some background questions to get a sense of your work environment, daily stressors, and any relevant history that might help me understand your situation. At the same time, this session is about mutual fit. Just as you’re deciding whether therapy with me is right for you, I’m also assessing whether I’m the right person to help. If at any point it doesn’t seem like the best match for either of us, we can simply leave it at that—no pressure, no obligation. A strong therapeutic relationship is key to effective treatment. If we both feel like working together is a good fit, we can discuss next steps. If either of us determines that another approach or provider may better suit your needs, I’m happy to offer referrals or recommendations to ensure you receive the right support.

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

I know what it’s like to face significant personal challenges—the kind that make you step back and reevaluate everything. At different points in my life, I’ve had to navigate difficult circumstances, adapt, and find a way forward when things felt uncertain. Those experiences have shaped how I approach therapy—not with rigid formulas or one-size-fits-all solutions, but with a real understanding of how complicated and unpredictable life can be. I don’t believe in overanalyzing or forcing change. Instead, I focus on creating a space where you can process what’s on your mind without pressure or judgment. I understand how easy it is to put yourself last, to stay in stressful environments, or to feel like you just have to keep going. But I also know that having the right support can make all the difference. If you’ve been carrying a lot on your own, you don’t have to do it alone. Therapy with me is a space where you can take a step back, reflect, and gain clarity at your own pace. However you show up, I’m here to meet you there.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I work best with people who have spent years focused on their responsibilities—whether it’s a demanding job, family obligations, or caring for aging parents—only to realize they’ve put their own well-being on the back burner. It’s easy to keep pushing forward, telling yourself you’ll slow down later, but later never seems to come. I also understand the toll that a stressful or even toxic work environment can take. Long hours, constant pressure, and difficult coworkers or supervisors can wear you down. You keep going because that’s what’s expected, but over time, the exhaustion builds. If you haven’t really talked to anyone about how overwhelming it all feels because you’ve been too focused on everything else, I can be that person. Therapy with me is a space where you can step back, sort through your thoughts, and focus on yourself—without pressure or expectations.

About John Machikawa