Hi there.
My name is Mika (she/her/hers), and I am a Masters-level Registered Social Worker with over a decade of experience providing psychosocial support in various healthcare settings, including acute and end-of-life care, as well as with children, families, and in community nonprofit agencies. I am registered with the BC College of Social Workers.
During challenging times in my own life, I had the privilege of working with incredible therapists who showed me the healing power of connection, unconditional positive regard, and genuine care. Their impact inspired my journey to become a counsellor, committed to offering the same compassionate support to others seeking freedom from emotional wounds and mental blocks.
As a BIPOC therapist, I understand the unique challenges and strengths that come with my cultural identity, and I strive to create a safe, inclusive space where clients from all backgrounds feel seen and supported. I am deeply committed to providing trauma-informed care and engage in ongoing professional development to ensure I offer the best possible support to my clients.
I am a second-generation Japanese Canadian living in Vancouver, BC. I'm also a proud mom to three little humans who teach me daily lessons in patience, presence, and joy. Some of my favorite things include sushi, Netflix marathons, traveling, having heart-to-heart conversations, and spending quality time with my family.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work
University of British Columbia (2011)
Master of Social Work
University of Toronto (2012)
Trainings
EMDR
The Centre for Excellence in EMDR Therapy (Deany Latiolis)
Complex Trauma Certificate
Justice Institute of BC
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
Justice Institute of BC
Foundations in DBT
Psychwire, Marsha Linehan
CBT Essentials
The Association for Psychological Therapies
Work/Volunteer Experience
Parkinson Society of British Columbia
Providence Healthcare
Royal Trinity Hospice (UK)
Hackney Children and Family Services (UK)
BC Children's Hospital
Vancouver Coastal Health
Elizabeth Fry Society
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center of BC
PLEA Kidstart Mentoring Program
Therapeutic Modalities
In our sessions together, I will be drawing from these approaches to support you.
Strength-based
CBT-DBT approaches
Mindfulness-based practices
EMDR (Trauma Processing)
Somatic Experiencing
Solution Focused therapy