In Japanese, my last name means “island.” Fittingly, I am based between the tropical island of Maui, Hawai’i and the island country of Japan. I am a psychotherapist serving residents of Hawai’i, California and Japan. As a multiethnic Japanese American I feel at home across the Pacific. I’ve spent time in various parts of the world and have become well versed in crossing oceans, in crossing cultures, and in bridging gaps. As I move through the world I have the experience of both fitting in nowhere and fitting in everywhere. Living cross-culturally has added to my flexibility, my ability to tolerate ambiguity, and feeling comfortable in the space between. In Japanese we say, aimai. I have grown to understand my identity as ever flowing and dynamic. Through this experience my life has come to be about creating a sense of place and belonging, aiding connection and harmony, and cultivating compassion and meaning. What is your story?

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

My aim is to support you right in the middle of whatever you are going through, to hold your experience with kindness and care. Much of the time our mental and emotional wounds occur in relationship. Healing from these types of wounds also happens in relationship. Therapy is a very special and unique relationship which supports this healing process. A main focus of our work will be developing and expanding your capacity for awareness. Awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations, facilitating clarity on your hopes & fears, likes & dislikes, strengths & resources, and relational patterns. The more we can develop awareness and acceptance of yourself exactly as you are, the more change can happen naturally on its own. We will use a creative and holistic approach of collaborative dialogue and experiential exercises to develop awareness, cultivate compassion, and reestablish connection. To further engage with the therapy process outside of our sessions, I will often offer practices to experiment with to help you deepen your exploration and growth.

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

My focus is in helping you develop the ability to hold your own experience with care, with kindness, and a compassionate curiosity. I encourage an inviting attitude of warmth towards oneself which supports growth and learning.

About Matthew Shima