Frequently asked questions
Q: What kind of methods do you use? Is it a talking therapy?
A: My work is based on the education and training in traditional clinical psychology, thanatology (the study of death and dying), as well as in Process-Oriented Psychology, also known as Process Work.
I try to closely follow unique style and experience of each clients from moment to moment, trusting the inherent wisdom in you and in the process itself even if it seems painful or problematic at a first glance. Each session is a creative process and may include one or more of the following approaches where appropriate: talking therapy, art-making, dream work, guided imagery, dance/movement, psychodrama, role playing, and noticing inner body sensations.
Q: what kind of qualification do you have as a therapist?
A: I am certified as Clinical Psychologist through Japanese Certification Board of Clinical Psychologist and hold Diploma in Process Work through Process Work Institute in Portland, Oregon. I adhere to the codes of ethics of both organizations. I also serve as faculty for Japan Process Work Center, where I serve as instructor and supervisor for therapists in training and helping professionals in continuing education.
Q: What is Process Work?
A: Process Work is a cross-disciplinary and holistic approach that combines psychology, group dynamics, spirituality and creative expression. It facilitates individual and collective change by closely following the unique style of each person or group, while trusting the inherent wisdom that underlies every experience including painful or problematic ones. For more information about Process Work, please click here.
Q: What issues are suitable for the sessions with you?
A: People come to work on general mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship and family issues, job-related stresses, grief and loss, addictions and addictive tendencies, life transition, organizational issues, and so on. English-speaking people living in Japan or dealing with cross-cultural issues also seek counseling with me because of my life / professional experiences in different countries.
I also offer dream interpretation / dream work sessions. Dreams are full of messages and wisdom to help transform our lives. The way I work with dreams with you is process-oriented and expansive, where I don't just try to analyze your dreams, but try to explore them with you by using art, music, story telling, role playing, and so on, depending on the characteristics of the dreams.
I greatly enjoy working with people who come to work on personal growth, to enhance creativity, and to explore different potentials in themselves and to live more fully. For example, professional artists and those who would like to explore their creativity in everyday life have sought sessions with me and said they were greatly supported. The sessions also offer opportunities for helping professionals who are seeking additional training and further self-exploration.
I am also trained through Process Work Institute in special methods of accompanying people in remote states of consciousness. I work with people who are in coma/near death and their caregivers. I also offer a training day upon request to hospital and hospice workers who work with people in seemingly unresponsive states.
Q: what does a normal session look like especially the first one?
A:
Sessions are
normally 50 minutes long and are usually once a week, but it is
possible to schedule more or less frequent sessions depending on your
needs. Some people come in for one-off session to work on a specific
issue. Others check back in every few months or so for mental health
maintenance.
In our initial session, we will discuss your presenting issues, your needs and hope for the sessions, what to look out for during therapy, and ask each other questions. If time allows, we can try out a mini-session in order for you to taste the kind of service that I offer. We will then negotiate practical details should we decide to continue working together, which we will also review periodically.
Depending on your area of your concern, I may refer you to one of my colleagues from International Association of Process Oriented Psychology or other qualified professionals.
In our initial session, we will discuss your presenting issues, your needs and hope for the sessions, what to look out for during therapy, and ask each other questions. If time allows, we can try out a mini-session in order for you to taste the kind of service that I offer. We will then negotiate practical details should we decide to continue working together, which we will also review periodically.
Depending on your area of your concern, I may refer you to one of my colleagues from International Association of Process Oriented Psychology or other qualified professionals.
Q: Do I have to stay in counselling for a long time?
A: Not necessarily. For some issues, it is preferable to work over a period of time. It is also possible to work for an agreed time period with specific objectives. Some people book for an occasional single session for a short consultation, a check-in, or dream analysis. Others prefer regular sessions to use them as reminder and anchor for ongoing self-growth. We can discuss it in the initial session and agree on the form in which we work together to begin with. If you wish to change the format of sessions, I'm always open to discuss it with you.
Q: What are phone sessions like?
A: Phone sessions are wonderful alternatives for peole who are unable to visit therapy offices.
I treat phone sessions the same way I do face-to-face sessions. Even through long distance, I believe we still share a common space or a field in some way. I strive to create a safe space in which we explore things together and try to pick up and communicate to you about subtle information that comes through the tone of your voice, the atmosphere, and the images and feelings that occur in me.
Phone sessions allow you to have convenience and comfort of working on yourself and issues at your own home. At the same time, there are some tips that may be useful:
* Please try to create a private space free of distractions and other people’s presence as best you can during the session time (and preferably 10 minutes or so before and after the sessions.)
* If possible please use a head set so that you have your hands free (speaker phone might create an echo and may not work so well).
* It would be a good idea to have some paper, pencils and crayons, a couple of puppets, and some pillows ready. Even in phone sessions, we can still incorporate art therapy, psychodrama using puppets, and movement work.
Q: What is Skype and what is Skype sessions like?
A: Skype
is a free software that allows you to call, chat, make video calls
through the internet connection. The best part is that you can make
calls for free. For more information and download, please click here.
Skype sessions are just like phone sessions (please see above). If you have a webcam, we can also have video conferencing sessions where we can see each other.
Skype sessions are just like phone sessions (please see above). If you have a webcam, we can also have video conferencing sessions where we can see each other.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact Hitomi at info (at) innerawareness.org.
For booking a session, please click on one of the following;