Hi there! I’m Amaya (she/her). I am biracial (Japanese-Caucasian), neurodivergent (ADHD), able-bodied, and a cis-woman. Based on my lived experiences holding intersecting identities, I understand how complex and layered identity can be. As a mixed-race woman, I realize how healing it is to have a space where all parts of you are welcome. To me, therapy is a place to reconnect with yourself and others in relationships. I’m passionate about walking alongside people as they explore who they are, especially in the context of their relationships and emotions.
Whether you’re coming in as an individual, couple, or family, I aim to create a warm, collaborative space where you feel truly seen and heard. I know that being vulnerable can be hard. You don’t have to do it alone! With a relational lens, I attune to each member of the system that I am working with, bringing thoughtfulness, empathy, and a nonjudgmental presence into our work together. Using a trauma-informed approach, I aim to support clients at their own pace. I also encourage feedback and an open dialogue in our work together. I want to know what works best to support you! While I will challenge you, I will never push you to a place that feels unsafe. I believe in the ongoing process of consent in therapy, and you have the autonomy to decide what you are ready to explore.
I aim to work with clients who may struggle with communicating within their relationships or expressing their internal experiences effectively. Whether my help includes facilitating greater emotional connection to self and others, or understanding what barriers stand in the way, I believe that meaningful change can be achieved through increased awareness. My goal is to help you respond instead of react.
I work from Internal Family Systems, where all parts of you are welcome and encouraged to explore this therapeutic space with compassion and understanding. I also incorporate somatic awareness and self-regulation techniques into our work, recognizing that building awareness of our body’s nervous system and its unique expression is a powerful resource in healing. Equally important, I hope to support you in connecting with and caring for your younger self that may still be holding the burdens of the past. Presence is a key part of showing up authentically, both for yourself and in your relationships with others. I want to help you feel like yourself again.
I’m particularly drawn to working with: religious and spiritual identity, religious trauma, neurodiverse identities, biracial/multiracial folks, interracial couples, BIPOC, Asian Americans, first-gen graduate students, college students, couples, and families. I also work with those in high-conflict relationships or anyone seeking deeper emotional intimacy and self-awareness.
Lastly, I’ll share a little about myself: I have two cats, Mochi and Paxton, who are a constant source of joy. I love reading, playing video games, and drinking strawberry matchas. Pets, books, and enjoying the small things are just some of the many ways I find grounding in my own life.
I’m excited to get to know you!