Hi there! My name is Chisato. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist and doctor in social work. What that means is that I just have multiple lenses to see clients and situations through! We can talk about this more during our first session!
I’m a child/adolescent/family/trauma expert committed to helping individuals and families learn how to feel safe within themselves and in their families. My work focuses on tackling unhelpful and untrue thoughts (also called cognitive distortions!) and behaviors, while creating a safe space. I believe in a collaborative approach- remember that YOU are the expert in your own life and family, so we will work on this together!
I have a lot of passions, including helping trauma survivors find their voice, neurodiversity affirming therapies, and helping families connect with each other. I also love to help clients to figure out how to be kind to themselves. Sometimes, we are our own worst critic!
I have had the honor of guest writing for multiple blogs and magazines, being a guest on podcasts, and also have been part of the autism summit twice. I also have had the privilege of writing and publishing a children’s book on coping skills and a journal that accompanies it. I am grateful that it has been a finalist on several children’s book awards! I also teach at several universities, where I am able to walk the path with amazing masters students!
I would love to chat with you and discuss ways that we can work together!
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I started out in this field as a sexual assault counselor, where I also helped to create a program for commercially sexually exploited children. Being part of people’s journey in their healing after such a traumatic experience, and witnessing their amazing growth was mind blowing to me. This made me want to do more, which inspired me to become a therapist. My doctoral capstone was on commercially sexually exploited children- where I created a training on this population based on gender theory, knowledge and empathy.
Is there an example from your daily life where you practice what you preach?
I am a mom of twin boys who are both on the autism spectrum. In my therapeutic practice, I often speak about the importance of self care, especially when we have so many hats to wear so that we can be best “me” that we can be! I practice this by making sure that I practice self care, so that I can stay present and connected with my kids even when they are escalated. I also remind myself, “they are HAVING a hard time, not BEING difficult”- that’s something that I preach in my therapy sessions too! “You are having a difficult time, NOT being difficult.”
For more information, please visit kindfulplace.wixsite.com/welcome
Short Term (Solution-focused, etc.)
Ideal for those who are coming in with a specific problem they’d like to address and gain clarity on. Typically, short term therapies are present focused and do not dive deep into your past.
Structured
Structured therapies are goal and progress oriented. Therapists may incorporate psychoeducation and a specific “curriculum.” In order to stay on track, therapists may provide worksheets and homework.
Insight-oriented (Psychodynamic, Existential, etc.)
Exploring the past and making connections to present issues can help clients gain insight. Getting to the root of the issue and finding deeper self-awareness can help with long-term change.
Non-directive (Humanistic, Person-centered, etc.)
Going with the flow and seeing where it leads.
Behavioral (CBT, DBT, etc.)
Focuses on changing potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors by addressing problematic thought patterns and specific providing coping skills.
Trauma Focused (EMDR, TF-CBT, etc.)
Recognizing the connection between trauma experiences and your emotional and behavioral responses, trauma focused therapy seeks to help you heal from traumas.
