Mihoko Kusachi, LMHC

Mihoko Kusachi is a licensed mental health counselor with ten years of clinical practice. She draws on international experience from Japan, Australia, and the United States to understand different cultural perspectives. She speaks English and Japanese and works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and a wide range of life challenges.

She trained at the master’s level in counseling with a focus on rehabilitation for people with disabilities. In addition to her counseling practice, she has over 20 years of experience as a social worker and case manager in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Hawaii. That background informs a practical, down-to-earth approach to problems that often feel overwhelming.

Her style is collaborative and gentle. She creates an open space where clients can share thoughts and feelings without judgment. Sessions often include checking thoughts, learning relaxation and sensory-based exercises, and practicing self-regulation techniques that calm the body and mind.

Mihoko combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with client-centered and existential ideas, and she uses mindfulness and motivational interviewing tools when helpful. She also pays attention to the body-mind connection so clients can notice how feelings show up physically and learn ways to respond differently.

People who work with her focus on real-life changes: coping with loss, managing mood or anxiety, navigating identity and cultural issues, improving sleep and eating patterns, or addressing addiction and motivation. She partners with each person to find practical steps that fit their strengths and daily life.

Her practice emphasizes respect for cultural background, social justice, and intersectional experiences. Mihoko aims to help people discover inner resources and build forward movement toward their goals.

How Mihoko’s Approaches Translate to Online Care

Mihoko uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and test unhelpful thoughts and then try new behaviors. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. She also practices Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on listening, acceptance, and helping people find their own solutions at their own pace.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Mihoko will discuss options and try techniques that match a person’s goals, preferences, and daily life. She adapts methods over time so sessions remain useful and relevant to each person’s needs.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions are good for in-depth conversations and exercises that use visual cues. Phone sessions can fit a break at work or be easier when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging are helpful for short check-ins, reflections, and ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to schedule care around family, work, and travel while still working toward meaningful change.