TOMOMI MIKAWA

California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC 86499)

Certified Mindfulness Informed & Integrative Mental Health Professional (CMIP & CIMHP)

PREPARE/ENRICH Facilitator

Life Coach  

Tomomi has been helping individuals, couples and families whose lives have been impacted by various life challenges including loss of a loved one, traumatic incidents, relationship/marital issues, work-related stress, chronic fear, anxiety, panic, depression, social isolation, adjustment/acculturation difficulty among others. Tomomi is highly experienced at working with interracial couples with different sets of customs, cultural values and communication styles; professionals and executives in corporate and medical field (CPAs, MDs, nurses, etc.) who are under constant pressure and prone to burn-out; individuals who lost their loved ones to suicide and young adults who are uncertain about their direction or career choice. Her previous clinical experience also included Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy and Walk and Talk Therapy in outdoor naturalistic settings.

Tomomi works from a client-centered, collaborative approach using mindfulness.  She strongly believes that each individual is equipped with the necessary strengths and resources to overcome life challenges and obstacles when getting the appropriate help and support from others. Tomomi finds it truly rewarding to witness her clients heal, grow, and become more hopeful and happier.

Tomomi’s work is shaped by her own life story and professional experiences. Having lived in different countries and having been exposed to different cultures and ways of life, Tomomi has acquired and developed a deep understanding of cross-cultural issues and various acculturation challenges that can put a person under enormous stress often without realizing. She has openness and curiosity to learn about her clients’ unique backgrounds, customs, values, and beliefs. She is also a survivor herself and understands how the tragic loss of a loved one can impact a person’s life and the lives of others around him or her. Moreover, she had her family members struggling with illnesses and directly experienced what it is like to care for a family member and interact with medical professionals for them, all of which taught her what is most important and helpful for the patient’s side. Professionally, Tomomi worked as an executive assistant in one of the world’s largest business advisory firms, a freelance interpreter/translator, and an editor for a medical journal prior to working as a therapist.

Tomomi received her Bachelor of Arts degree in French Studies and Studio Art from Mills College and her Master of Arts degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. She is a Clinical Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).

Tomomi enjoys spending time in nature, gardening, cooking, baking, visiting farmers markets, walking and sitting quietly with her dogs, traveling, etc. when she is not helping her clients.

A Personal Message for Prospective Clients

A teacher whom I respect tremendously once said, “There is nobody who does not have issues!” Indeed, there are lots of joys and happy moments as long as we live, but there are also times of trial such as when we are struck by an unexpected misfortune, when we have to survive the loss of a loved one, and when we experience interpersonal difficulties. Yet, how come so many of us try to suppress sadness and/or avoid shedding tears in such challenging moments?

I have seen and helped many people with struggles, and what I have learned is that many, if not most, people wait to seek help and receive treatment until their symptoms became severe or their issues and circumstances became too complicated or aggravated to be handled on their own. Seeking help from a therapist may take a lot of courage for many people; however, it is my sincere wish and hope that many of you do not necessarily prolong your pain by trying to handle difficulty or ordeal by yourself.

I view psychotherapy to be a person-to-person process and experience. As a therapist, I strive to establish a good therapeutic rapport with each of my clients, and to create a safe environment where they can discuss and look into their challenges truthfully and dedicate themselves to the process of self-acceptance and personal growth. I will teach useful tools and effective skills so you will have an increased sense of self-agency. I will provide resources, support and encouragement and utilize all of my personal and professional experiences having lived and worked in different cultures and having overcome a number of hardships, so that my clients will find ways to overcome their own hardships, too.

Tomomi