3 therapists in Maryland matching your needs

Hello, I'm Makoto Ikegami, a therapist who helps people who have been through really tough times. I have a lot of experience with things like trauma, feeling really down, and struggling with addictive behaviors. I work with each person to give them the support and tools they need to feel better and live a happier life. My aim is to create a caring and understanding environment where you can talk about what's been hard for you and take steps towards a better, more satisfying life.

My goal is to help you uncover your strengths, build values-based coping strategies, and embark on a journey of personal growth. In doing this work, I have discovered that the best way to move through emotional pain is to allow yourself to feel it. That can be incredibly overwhelming but with caring and consistent support, it becomes manageable. It is deeply healing to be heard and cared for in those vulnerable states and to understand that by attending to early emotional injuries, a path toward an authentic connection to yourself and others is not only possible, but achievable.

I practice primarily using expressive arts, mindfulness-based, and dialectical behavioral therapy strategies. In my work with children and adults, I am passionate about incorporating play therapy modalities (ie. sandtray, Child-centered play therapy) and expressive arts techniques. I have seen firsthand the healing power of a relationship between a child and play therapist. I provide a warm and non-judgmental relationship where there is support, confidentiality, and trust. I help my clients to identify and work on goals that are their own, and believe that all people have an innate capacity for growth and healing. I have availability during the daytime and during the school year, I can accommodate late nights to provide evening and after-school sessions. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from University of Southern California in 2015. I currently primarily provide therapeutic support to children with a variety of emotional and social needs. I have experience working with children and families within the child welfare system as well as working with clients with a variety of needs and diagnoses in their schools, homes, communities, and inpatient settings. I have more than eight years of experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities, as well as their families. Additionally, I have experience in the following areas: - Social skills - Depression - Anxiety - Mood disorders - Parenting - ADHD - LGBTQ+ topics - Intimate partner violence