Hello, my name is Aki and I am a therapist at Catalyst Counseling. If you’re reading this, I imagine you’re looking to make changes in your life for a variety of reasons. You may be tired of the constant voice that tells you that you have to be perfect, that you’re lazy if you take a break, that you don’t measure up. You may be navigating stressful life transitions like living in a new country, starting college, or changing careers. Or maybe you’re navigating more than one culture at a time and struggling to figure out how to stay true to yourself. Whatever the reason may be for your search, I want to first congratulate you for taking the first brave step toward change, growth, and healing.

Life is a journey and no one knows what happens next. This sense of unknown can feel very scary; as someone who considers himself a “journeyman”, I relate to this feeling. I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan till I was 18. After that, I came to the US and studied Business Management in rural Illinois. Then I was enamored with the power of human connection as a driver for change through my own therapy experiences. Here, I found my passion in the helping professions, and I studied mental health counseling in Philadelphia. My journey was filled with changes and uncertainties including times when I had to step away from the predictable path, and yes, at times it’s been very scary. What helped me was people in my life who not only encouraged me but also trusted in my ability to find a way. As your therapist, I want to support you in the same way.

I want my role to be something akin to a supportive hiking companion, someone who walks with you, celebrates the miles you’ve walked so far while encouraging you to keep walking toward your goals. My philosophy is that everyone has a potential to be their best selves and lead a fulfilling life, and that they all have the ability to get there. I believe therapy is most effective when there is a deep trust between the therapist and the client. I will unconditionally honor who you are without judgment or criticism while being open, genuine, and authentic myself.

I am especially passionate about working with clients with perfectionistic tendencies. Perhaps you experience an immense pressure every day to be flawless, both professionally and personally. Maybe it’s hard for you to give yourself even an ounce of grace to be you. I want to support you in honoring that voice that tells you to be perfect, while finding ways to lead a life that is less stressful and consumed by that voice.

I also enjoy working with people who are immigrants, or raised by immigrants, or navigating a relationship with someone from a different culture. Perhaps you’re struggling with your own identity, or feeling the exhaustion of code switching, or feeling frustration that the closest members of your family have totally different cultural reference points. Or maybe you are starting to create a life with someone from a different culture and you want to learn how to create strength and joy from your differences.

No matter what brings you to therapy, I will hold a space for you to be unapologetically yourself. If you feel you can benefit from a human connection like this, it will be my honor to walk with you. Let’s get started together.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate with the State of Washington (MC61568613). I regularly seek consultation from colleagues as well as my licensed supervisor, Katherine Walter, MSW, LICSW, CSW-G (LICSW #LW 60136151).