A time of gentle connection
to the wisdom within
An online therapy to connect
with the nature within
and return to your center
I offer Clinical Arts therapy sessions
for your mind and body,
with the abundant nature of Iitate Village,
Fukushima Prefecture in Japan as a backdrop.
I hold the space for you
as you take the time to feel, think,
and reconnect at your own pace.
Therapy
The choice to take care of yourself.
Everyone experiences mental and physical imbalances at some point in their daily lives.
No worry is too big or too small.
Everyone should be allow to care for their mental health and emotional well-being.
Sleep disturbances
and chronic tension
in the body
Anxiety, worries,
low mood and
unresolved trauma
Unable to
express feelings
and emotions
Repeating
the same patterns
in relationships
These symptoms are not signs of weakness,
but rather important messages from your mind and body.
As the therapy session progresses,
tension in your mind and body will gradually release.
You will become more aware of your own feelings and sensations,
and you will be able to sit with your thoughts
and emotions as they rise and fall,
allowing you to focus on your growth and change.
As you connect with the sense of safety
little by little, calmness, space,
and new options,
as well as a feeling of aliveness
start to emerge in your daily life.
Session
In the session, we focus not only on words,
but also on expressions and physical sensations,
to restore your connection to your mind, body and whole self.
This therapy respects each individual’s process,
and it works with your own strengths and potentials
by holding a space for authentic dialogue and expression.
Sessions centered on Clinical Arts Therapy
Clinical Arts Therapy is an approach that integrates psychotherapy
and creative expression.
Through art, color, shape, movement, imagery and more,
I support you in connecting with feelings that are difficult to put into words,
and in understending and expressing your authentic feelings.
You do not need to be skilled at expressing yourself or good at doing arts.
I offer three different sessions as follows, although I often integrate these approaches to support you in the best way through our dialogue.
Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a way to connect with the self through image making, color, and creativity. It allows you to naturally express thoughts and emotions that are difficult to express in words. The process of art making itself can relax your mind and deepen your awareness.
Somatic Psychology/Somatic Therapy
This holistic approach focuses on the experiences in the body, such as breath, sensations and feelings, as well as your nervous system health. Stress, suppressed emotions and unresolved trauma can get stored in the body. By gently connecting with the body consciously, we can support the release of the stored tension and restore the natural balance and wellbeing. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is also used as needed.
Psychological Counseling
Counseling helps you clarify your thoughts and feelings, and explore different choices and solutions by talking in a supportive environment.
Profile
Yoko Obata
Yoko Obata is a NZ ACC Sensitive Claims registered Clinical Arts Therapist (ANZACATA). She is trained in Arts Therapy, Dance Movement Therapy, Somatic Therapy and EMDR. She provides comprehensive support for mental and physical processes through an approach that integrates counseling, trauma therapy, clinical arts therapy, and somatic psychology. She holds the view that healing, recovery and growth are a creative process, and her experience with martial arts, Japanese Taiko drumming, substance abuse counseling and bodywork/Eastern medicine also contributes to her therapy work.
Drawing on her multicultural experiences over 28 years in the United States and New Zealand, she practices therapy that respects each individual’s values and life experiences.
Currently based in Iitate Village in Fukushima, Japan, she provides online sessions for overseas clients.
Qualifications
ANZACATA registered Clinical Arts Therapist
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (USA)
Master’s Degree in Clinical Arts Therapy (New Zealand)
Over 13 years of clinical experience in the field of mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities and trauma work.
Iitate Village Regional Revitalisation Supporter
Three things I value
in my sessions
1
Connection to the nature
(Within and Without)
The nature that surrounds us and within us are one of the greatest resources we have for our healing and growth.
2 Returning to the Authentic Self
The process of returning to the natural, whole self by consciously connecting and listening to the feelings and the body, and integrating different parts of ourselves.
3 Being Present
Holding a space where you feel safe enough to feel, speak and express yourself honestly, and for the natural creative process to unfold for deep transformation and change.
Appointment
Free initial consultation
I offer a free 20-minute consultation before starting therapy. We will discuss your current situation and goals, and explore how Clinical Arts Therapy could support your journey. This is an important step to ensure that our work together provides the safe, effective therapeutic environment for you.
- The initial consultation will be held online (Zoom).
- The discussion is confidential.
- Please choose the day and time
that is convenient for you in the consultation booking form below.