Welcome!
You might look like you're holding it together — and in many ways, you are. But underneath, there's a persistent sense of not being enough, of working hard and still feeling like you're falling short. Or perhaps a quiet feeling of not quite belonging, even in places that should feel familiar.
These experiences are more common than you might think, and they deserve to be taken seriously.
I offer a space where you can slow down, explore what's been weighing on you, and begin to understand yourself more clearly — without judgment, and at your own pace.
My approach is grounded in Self Psychology, with influences from Attachment Theory, Intersubjectivity, and ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy). Rather than applying a fixed framework, I work to understand each person within their own unique context — shaped by their background, relationships, and lived experience.
Sessions are available in English or Japanese. I work with adults and children currently residing in California.
Whether you are new to therapy or have been in it before, I invite you to reach out at contact@bunkaiwa.com. I look forward to connecting with you.
Service
Psychotherapy & Art Therapy services are available to children, teens, and adults currently residing in the state of California.
I am only offering online (tele-health) therapy at this time.
Session
Individual Online (tele-health) session
50 min $180USD
I have a few reduced-fee slots available for those who do have financial difficulty to pay my full fee. I am also accepting some insurance plans. Please feel free to inquire if you are a US insurance holder. Please let me know your situation and I'll do my best to work with you.
Specialities
Anxiety & Chronic Stress
Anxiety, chronic stress, and the persistent feeling of not being enough
Sense of Not Belonging
A quiet sense of not belonging — even in familiar places
Multicultural Identity
Multicultural identity, acculturative stress, and the experience of living between cultures
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and sensory processing differences
Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP)
Highly sensitive persons (HSP) and those with deeply felt emotional experiences
Relationship Patterns
Relationship patterns — difficulty setting boundaries, people-pleasing, or repeating similar struggles across relationships
Self-Understanding & Identity
Self-understanding and identity — imposter syndrome, creativity blocks, or a sense of not knowing who you are
Resources
About Yasuno (she/her)
After navigating significant childhood trauma, I found peace and a safe haven in art. Over time, creative expression became a powerful way for me to uncover strength and resilience. This journey shaped my belief that everyone holds an innate capacity to heal—regardless of their circumstances. This realization is what inspired me to become the therapist I am today.
My Background
I am a bilingual (Japanese-English) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT#112040), and a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC#19-154). After graduating from Musashino Art University in Tokyo, Japan, I moved to the US where I earned my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Art Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University in San Francisco.
I have extensive clinical experience working with children and adults navigating anxiety, depression, acculturative stress, life transitions, as well as individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental differences, and other neurodivergent experiences.
My work is grounded in Self Psychology, with influences from Attachment Theory, Intersubjectivity, and ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy). Rather than applying a fixed framework, I tailor my approach to each person's unique background, relationships, and lived experience. In Art Therapy, I work from a phenomenological perspective — rather than interpreting or analyzing the artwork, I focus on staying present with what emerges, listening closely to what the creative process itself is expressing. I am continuously receiving supervision and training, with a particular focus on intersubjective and self psychological perspectives, and on working with Asian American and immigrant communities.
Credentials:
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State of California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT#112040)
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Board Certified Registered Art Therapist℠ ATR‑BC® (ATR-BC#19-154)
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National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP #243855)
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UCLA PEERS® for Adolescents Certified Provider
Professional Affiliation:
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California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist
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American Art Therapy Association
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are you currently accepting new clients? A: Yes, as of April 2026, I am accepting new clients.
Q: What is the process for starting therapy? 1) Send me an inquiry via email. I’ll schedule a free 15-minute consultation call. 2) If you'd like to move forward, I’ll schedule your first session. 3) Once your appointment is confirmed, I’ll send intake forms and consent documents to complete before your session. 4) You’ll receive a video link the day before your session—just find a quiet space and join at your scheduled time. The initial session will focus on assessment: gathering background information and discussing your current challenges and therapy goals.
Q: Can children receive therapy or art therapy online? A: Yes, therapy and art therapy sessions for children are available online. In child therapy, I incorporate elements of play—such as toys, stuffed animals, or drawing—so that children can naturally express their feelings. However, due to the nature of online sessions, I currently offer therapy for children aged 10 and older.
Q: Is art therapy effective online? A: Yes, art therapy can be effectively conducted online. I offer creative assignments that can be done at home using easily accessible materials. Before the session, I’ll discuss what’s feasible and what materials are available, so I can tailor the approach together.
Q: Do you provide couples counseling? A: Unfortunately, couples counseling is not available at this time.
Q: Do you accept health insurance? A: Yes. If you reside in California and are covered under Aetna, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare, your plan may be eligible. If you have a different PPO plan with Out-of-Network coverage, I can provide a superbill (an itemized invoice for insurance reimbursement). Please feel free to contact me to confirm eligibility. Please note the following regarding insurance use: 1) A mental health diagnosis is required for insurance claims. 2) Some services may not be covered depending on your provider’s policy. 3) If your insurance claim is denied, you will be responsible for the full session fee.
Q: What is your cancellation policy? A: Our cancellation policy is as follows: 1) Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance: No charge. 2) Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows: Full session fee will be charged. 3) For insurance clients: Same-day cancellations are not covered by insurance. A cancellation fee of $125 will apply. Please note: If you arrive late, your session will still end at the originally scheduled time. (e.g., If your session is scheduled for 5:00 PM and you arrive at 5:20 PM, the session will end at 5:50 PM.)
Q: What forms of payment do you accept? A: I currently accept payment via credit, debit card, and PayPal.
CONTACT
contact@bunkaiwa.com | Tel & Text: 424-271-5777 (Text preferred)