Bring harmony back into your home.
DR. Yoko Shibata
About Dr. Yoko Shibata
Licensed Psychologist Specializing in OCD, Selective Mutism, and Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
Hello and welcome. I’m Dr. Yoko Shibata (she/her), a licensed psychologist dedicated to supporting children, teens, and young adults who learn, communicate, and experience the world differently.
I believe that therapy is most effective when you can show up exactly as you are. My practice is rooted in genuine curiosity, empathy, and deep respect for individual differences. I love learning about what makes each of my clients unique—their passions, their strengths, and their quirks.
By bringing my authentic, approachable, and slightly nerdy self to our sessions, I build strong, trusting alliances with young people who might otherwise feel misunderstood. In my space, there is no need to mask or fit into a rigid mold. Together, we will create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you or your child can navigate challenges, build confidence, and truly thrive.
Danzig/ the kitty helper
Danzig sometimes comes with me as my helper. He was adopted as a kitten from a local animal shelter. Danzig is a PUUUURRFECT helper.
MY GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Culturally Responsive.
Culturally responsive therapy in psychology involves a commitment to understanding and addressing the unique experiences of the individual seeking therapy. It recognizes that cultural factors can significantly impact an individual's mental health and well-being, and that effective therapy must take into account these cultural influences to provide holistic and inclusive care. This commitment involves actively learning about and respecting the client's cultural identity, communicating with cultural sensitivity, adapting therapeutic interventions to align with the client's cultural context, and acknowledging and addressing any cultural biases or assumptions that may arise in the therapeutic relationship. Culturally responsive therapy promotes a collaborative and empowering approach, where the therapist and client work together to explore and integrate the client's cultural perspectives into the therapeutic process, leading to more meaningful and effective outcomes.
Evidence-Based Approach
I offer evidence-based therapy, utilizing research-supported techniques to address your specific concerns and enhance your overall well-being. My primary modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which allow us to collaboratively explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to facilitate positive change. For OCD, fears, and anxiety, I specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)—two highly effective, specialized forms of CBT. Additionally, for children navigating Selective Mutism, I utilize PCIT-SM strategies, stimulus fading, and graded exposure to gently and effectively build communication confidence in school and social settings.
Strength-Based.
I identify and harness individuals' strengths, talents, and positive qualities to promote well-being and personal growth. It emphasizes building on strengths rather than solely focusing on weaknesses, fostering empowerment, self-efficacy, and resilience in individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. By shifting the focus to strengths, this approach aims to cultivate a positive self-image and enhance overall psychological well-being.
Embracing Neurodiversity- Differences to Celebrate, Not Deficits to Cure
Neurodiversity is the understanding that neurological differences—such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations—are natural, valuable differences in how the human brain is wired. Rather than viewing these variations as disorders or deficits that need to be cured, my practice views them as unique ways of experiencing the world. I believe that neurodivergent individuals contribute to the richness of our society, and my goal is to provide a supportive space where these differences are respected, accepted, and accommodated.
My training, education, and specialties
Areas of Specialty:
Selective Mutism and other Anxiety Disorders
Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD
Approaches
Person-Centered
Strengths-based
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - University of Washington, 2017
Masters of Education - University of Washington, 2003
Bachelor's Degree - Georgetown College, KY, 1999