Ai Yoshida, Ph.D.

How I decided to be a therapist

My motivation to pursue being a therapist is based on first-hand experience. I had a friend who, due to a mental health issue, was having difficulty in life. I felt powerless to help my friend at that time. That experience inspired me to learn as much as I could on how to assist others who were going through similar struggles. Through formal education, training, and clinical experience, I have gained valuable skills and knowledge to help clients who are facing mental health challenges. I have been fortunate to have great teachers/mentors who have taught me the importance of caring for people and the significance of counseling. They have provided me with the tools and guidance needed to help others. Indeed, all of my experience with my friend and all I have learned since that initial experience has given me a passion for helping others. I am confident that I am equipped to provide the support and guidance now to and for others to help them cope with and, hopefully, overcome their mental health issues. 

How I would like to help clients as a therapist

As a therapist, my approach is to work collaboratively with my clients, recognizing that they are the experts on their own lives. I see myself as a guide as they navigate the ups and downs of their journey. I incorporate warmth and genuineness, aiming to create a space where diverse client systems feel safe and comfortable engaging in critical thinking and introspection. I believe that everyone has unique strengths and abilities that can be harnessed to overcome challenges and achieve positive changes. By utilizing a strength-based approach, my goal is to assist my clients tap into their own innate resilience and wisdom so that they can live their lives to the fullest, with a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.

What my theoretical orientation is as a therapist

I am educated and trained in an integrative approach to therapy. I understand that one size does not fit all and that a treatment plan should be tailor-made to fit each client’s unique strengths and challenges while keeping careful consideration of cultural concerns and practices. In my work as a therapist, I often utilize the CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and other therapeutic approaches to help clients better understand and process their emotions and thoughts. By exploring their inner world, clients can gain greater self-awareness and insight into their behaviors and relationships. By utilizing these approaches, I strive to empower my clients to take control of their emotional well-being and build a foundation for long-lasting personal growth.