Bring harmony back into your home.
DR. Yoko Shibata
What it’s like to work with me
As a psychologist and therapist, I'm driven by a genuine curiosity about the people I work with, and I'm passionate about understanding what makes you unique - your passions, your life, and your quirks. I'm a bit awkward and nerdy, and I believe these traits allow me to connect with you in an authentic and meaningful way. My genuine approach helps create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. I'm here to support you with empathy and understanding.
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 techniques supported by research to enhance effectiveness in addressing your specific concerns. My primary modalities include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Through CBT and ACT, we can collaboratively explore your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, facilitating positive changes to help you achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being. Additionally, I utilize exposure and response prevention (ERP), an impactful form of CBT specifically designed for addressing OCD, fears, and anxiety. For selective mutism, I specialize in using PCIT-SM strategies and stimulus fading, which are evidence-based approaches to treating individuals with selective mutism.
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.
Neurodiversity.
Neurodiversity refers to the concept that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other developmental and cognitive variations, are natural variations of the human brain rather than disorders or deficits that need to be cured. It emphasizes the idea that these differences contribute to the diversity and richness of human society and should be 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
