My approach

Hi, I’m Susan Shimokaji, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has a passion to work with adults, couples, families, children, teens and groups to help each person find their voice to be heard, their presence to be seen and understood, and discover feelings of happiness and peace.  I use a client-centered approach with interpersonal neurobiology based and storytelling methods.

Training and Education

I am a graduate of George Fox University and hold a Masters of Arts degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy.  After graduation I completed an Adoptive and Foster Family Therapy certificate from Portland State University and am a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist.  My latest trainings have been in the Trauma -Conscious Yoga Method, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) focusing in Somatic Therapy approaches. I also hold two Masters of Arts in Business Administration and Teaching from Marylhurst University.

Professional Affiliations

I am a current member of the American Counseling Associate and an active member of the Oregon Play Therapy Association. I am a lifelong learner and continue my education with professional development courses at the Northwest Center for Play Therapy and various evidence-based learning modalities.

Work Experience

I have worked as a teacher in the K-12 education system in special and general education classrooms, directed aTeen Parent program as a teacher on special assignment (TOSA), in a therapeutic school setting helping students with dual diagnoses self-regulate during the school day, and as a teacher in a psychiatric residential setting. I have worked with students with Dyslexia, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and learning differences as a tutor and teacher. My corporate and non-profit work experience includes working in advertising, entertainment, financial management, consulting, conflict resolution and health and wellness industries.

Life Experience

I have a unique story, and have used storytelling as a way to heal my past, and to create a positive future. I am a third generation Japanese-American, who specializes in anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, family conflict, family assistance with individuals with development and/or intellectual disabilities, racial trauma, relationship difficulties, and school and work issues. I hope to talk with you soon to hear your story and help you in your life’s journey.

Please click onto my Professional Disclosure Statement to consider choosing me as your therapist. I am currently seeing clients via telehealth online video, and in my office following current Center of Disease Control (CDC) procedures.

Thank you!

Susan