Get to Know Ken

My Story

I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. I immigrated to the United States during high school and have lived in various states and cities over 30 years. Currently, I live in Tijuana, Mexico, with my family and commute to my office in San Diego once a week. I earned my master’s degree in counseling psychology at National University in 2008 and became a licensed marriage and family therapist in 2016.

My therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered that promotes a nonjudgmental stance, genuineness, and empathy. I believe patients have the answers within themselves, and my job is to help them find these answers and actualize their potential. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who experience challenges including but not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, stress, relationships, personal growth, life transitions, and cultural and spiritual issues.

My experience includes school counseling, hospice, residential program crisis intervention, and outpatient treatment of severe mental illnesses and substance use issues. I use dialectical behavior therapy to work with my patients. Additionally, I facilitate a support group for Japanese military wives. I offer sessions in English and Japanese.

I emphasize the importance of integrating each patient’s unique cultural experience into their treatment. Culture does not only mean a patient’s race and ethnicity but also age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and more. I mainly see my patients virtually Tuesday through Saturday (in person at the office only on Fridays), and I am available in the evening during weekdays.