With the right match, psychotherapy is a true gift to yourself. I'm trained as a licensed clinical social worker and see people remotely in New York and Michigan. My approach is warm, genuine, and affirming. It's my job to listen and understand how your background, circumstances, relationships, and overlapping social identities have shaped your experience. I'll help you navigate whatever you're facing so you can heal and move forward. I've been a social worker for 20+ years and have worked with, and on behalf of kids and adults of all ages in the areas of mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, education, LGBTQIA+/TGNBI rights, and services for people without stable housing. After some soul searching and shifting of my "why," I've returned to individual work. I enjoy meeting and working with people from all walks of life. I have a master’s degree with a law minor from Columbia University and a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Michigan.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
My goal for the initial session (or assessment) is to learn more about you while providing a safe, nonjudgmental space to set the tone for our work together. We'll cover a few administrative basics, and I'll ask lots of questions to learn about who you are, what brings you to therapy now, prior therapy experience, your strengths and values, what you'd like to change, and how I can best support you. I'll ask about your family and other relationships, as well as what growing up was like. You decide what you feel comfortable sharing and working on. Feel free to ask questions to make sure we're a good fit.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I'm down to earth, patient, and accepting. I've been told that I help people feel seen and heard, which is something we don't always experience in our personal or school or work lives. I'll tailor my approach to you; for instance, some people want to understand longstanding behavior patterns; others like concrete tasks and homework; others want a sounding board and compassionate support; some people want to learn better ways of communication; others are looking for coping strategies or to build self-compassion. We're all different, and so are our needs. Therapy can be a space to dig deeper and practice new skills. Your session time is yours to just be you.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working 1:1 with adults with anxiety and depression who are grappling with issues of identity, life transitions, self-acceptance, and self-confidence; finding their place (and their people); navigating challenging relationships; setting healthy personal and professional boundaries; and aligning with their values. I've worked with a lot of folks who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ or TGNBI, adoptees, and 1st and 2nd generation immigrants.
Integrative
My therapy practice is integrative, weaving together tools from different approaches (e.g., insight-oriented, cognitive-behavioral, strength-based, person-centered, ACT) with an emphasis on mindfulness and self-compassion. I tailor how I work with people based on their unique strengths, needs, preferences, and life experience. It’s important for me to understand what works -- or doesn't work -- for you and how I can support you.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
As humans, we long to feel seen, heard, and understood. I use an intersectional lens to understand how your overlapping social identities (e.g., age, gender identity, race) have shaped your life experience.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use elements of CBT to explore the interplay of thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Together, we’ll take a closer look at negative thought patterns and beliefs that bring you down and limit your possibilities. We'll work on quieting the inner critic.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help clients use mindfulness and self-compassion to accept difficult experiences (rather than push them away or try to control them). We'll look at different areas of your life and work toward taking steps that align with your values.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-centered therapy is warm, supportive, and non-directive. It fosters self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth by exploring your feelings, allowing you to grow at your own pace, and empowering you to take control of your life and realize your full potential.
6 ratings with written reviews
December 2, 2025
I felt that Yumi was listening carefully and asking meaningful questions specific to my circumstances. I felt at ease and willing to be open and express myself fully. Yumi was able to express her understanding of my humanity.
October 30, 2025
This was my intake session but I still felt like I could be honest and open about my situations without judgement or confusion. Yumi asked specifically what I wanted to get out of therapy but also what communication style was most effective for me which was a huge part of making me feel like my time would be well spent and productive towards meeting my goals.
June 13, 2025
Yumi made me very comfortable to discuss things and very gently pushed me to discuss difficult things. I think this is a great working relationship to my benefit and I appreciate her time and attention.