Rate Mihoko Kusachi

I feel honored when I can instill in people a sense of hope and courage to working towards a change. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I know firsthand that it takes courage to pursue an authentic life. I feel connected with you because you have taken the very first step towards a change by reading this. I believe in reciprocity in all relationships including ours (therapist-client). My role is to support and empower you to find purpose in your life.

I grew up in Japan and have been educated in both Tokyo and San Francisco. I have a wide range of work experience in Japan and the US. I received a master’s degree in counseling with concentration on rehabilitation of people with disabilities from San Francisco State University. I have provided mental health counseling for the past 8 years as a licensed therapist and have worked for over 20 years as social worker in a variety of settings in California and Hawaii. I have helped clients of all ages, children and adults, both with and without disabilities. The issues I have helped my clients manage include depression, anxiety, stress, grief & loss, trauma, gender identity, guilt, shame, self-esteem, motivation, loneliness, purpose, adjustment, among other emotional and situational challenges.

My therapy approach draws influences from Humanistic, Existential, Somatic Psychology, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral therapies. I adopt an body-mind integrative approach to help people make changes, based on their strengths and preferences. In my therapy room, clients engage in personal reflection by challenging negative thoughts, with the help of sensory-based exercises, relaxation, and other self-regulation techniques to ease their emotional difficulties. My clients may also explore their past to gain insight into themselves to help them live more fully in the present. I have seen my clients improve their overall well-being, be it physical, emotional, behavioral, and/or spiritual. We will work together to find what works best for you in order to achieve the most balanced well-being, while seeking practical solutions in your daily life.

My philosophy is social justice-driven and culturally responsive to promote the diversity and individuality of people of all backgrounds. I particularly feel strongly about supporting those traditionally underserved in the helping professions given my firsthand experience growing up as such. I am particularly sensitive to intersectionality of multiple minority status, such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability, and socioeconomic status.

Most importantly, I honor what we already have within. My role is to be your partner to help you discover or rediscover your inner resources that may have been untapped, and help you nurture them to move forward in your life.