SUSAN SAKAMOTO
MSW, LICSW
Counseling for life's
transformations
SAKAMOTO COUNSELING
SUSAN SAKAMOTO, MSW, LICSW
Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.
-Brené Brown
Daring to face the darkness is such a vulnerable and courageous place to be in life. If you’re here, then you’ve taken those first brave steps towards transformation and I would be honored to support you on your journey.
Background:
I was born in the Seattle area and while I've lived elsewhere, the Pacific Northwest has always been home. After graduating from the UW with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, I spent many years working in the corporate world working for a large technology and online retail company here in Seattle. While working there, I also spent several years volunteering for a mentoring program for “at-risk” high school students. After experiencing connecting with youth in such a powerful and transformative way, it became very clear that I was on the wrong career path. So, I started my own journey of transformation and went back to school to earn my Master’s degree in Social Work. While in graduate school and since earning my MSW, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of different settings such as schools, hospitals, medical clinics, and community mental health agencies providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, families/parents and groups, working with children, adolescents and adults. I'm passionate about this work because I get the privilege to walk along side others and empower them to develop new skills, improve emotional health, and make positive changes in their lives.
About Me:
I am a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Washington with a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Washington. I also hold credentials as a Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS), and an African American Ethnic Minority Mental Health Specialist (EMMHS).
Credentials & Education:
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University of Washington, Master of Social Work (MSW): 2009
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Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) (#LW60544704), 2015
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Mental Health Professional (MHP), 2010
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Ethnic Minority Mental Health Specialist (EMMHS), 2013
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Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS), 2013
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Behavioral Tech Certification, intensively trained, foundational DBT, 2013
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TF-CBT++ Certification, 2014
APPROACH
Practicing psychotherapy as a clinical social worker, I’m always viewing my work through a social justice and culturally relevant lens while looking within the systems that impact your emotional health. My therapeutic style is compassionate and warm, yet direct. I also find that I’m most effective when I can be myself, so humor is also a trademark of my therapeutic style. I practice with a client-centered and strengths based approach which means that you determine what you want to achieve out of counseling and what you want to focus on, and I create a safe, non-judgmental, and welcoming space for you to explore what you bring to sessions. I will utilize a variety of different modalities that match your individual needs and goals in counseling. I’ll pull from therapeutic approaches that have been shown by research to be effective and valid ways to assist clients in reducing and alleviating intrusive and distressing symptoms in order to improve mood, behavior, and overall functioning to guide our work together.
My training and expertise lies in the application of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). In addition to my counseling experience, I also worked in the stressful corporate, high tech world, I know what it’s like to parent children, be married, deal with family and relationship struggles, and work through various life stages. I’ve had my own emotional journeys and feel that this gives me perspective on what many others face. These life experiences along with my experience as a therapist guide and impact my therapeutic approach.
It would be a privilege and honor to support you as you take steps toward building the life and relationships you’ve always wanted. I would love for us to connect to see if I would be a good fit for your therapeutic needs.
YOU are your best thing.
- Toni Morrison
WHAT TO EXPECT
**Please note that I am currently only offering therapy via Telehealth video sessions.
Complimentary Initial Phone Consultation (if requested)
(15-30 minutes)
During this phone call, we'll discuss your needs and issues you’d like to address and determine if we would be a good match. This helps to determine if we would work well together. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about how I practice therapy and what services I can offer. If you decide that you feel comfortable with me and I determine that I would be a good match for your needs, we will set up a time to meet in person for an intake assessment. If we determine that this would not be an appropriate match, I will be happy to provide you with some other referrals.
Intake Assessment via Telehealth Video
(60-90 minutes)
This is largely an information gathering appointment. I will conduct an intake assessment about what you hope to achieve in counseling, as well as some of your history in order to adequately assess your needs and for us to come up with a road map to achieve your goals.
Ongoing therapy sessions via Telehealth Video
(50 minutes)
These will be ongoing, weekly 50 minute sessions that are largely driven by you. You will determine the agenda and topic to focus on each session. I will help guide us and help facilitate the process of working toward the goals you’ve identified. I will encourage active participation during these sessions as this is how you will benefit the most from your counseling experience. My job is to teach new skills, provide you with alternative ways of thinking and help with negative thinking patterns, help you process what you might be struggling with, and to provide you with a safe and non-judgmental place to talk and for me to listen. My hope is that through our work together, you’ll feel supported, make progress toward achieving goals, and move forward on your journey in life with greater peace and joy.
CONDITIONS & ISSUES
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Depression & Other Mood Disorders
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Anxiety Disorders
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Trauma
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Family of origin issues
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Adjustment Difficulties & Life Transitions
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Work/School Stress
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Behavior Management & Modification
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Coping with Medical Conditions
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Grief & Loss
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Relationship Problems
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Parenting Concerns
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Adoption/Foster Care
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ADHD
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Self-Harming Behavior & Suicidal Thoughts
FEES & INSURANCE
I am currently credentialed to take some insurance carriers through my professional association with Mindful Therapy Group. I also can take private pay clients and provide a monthly receipt for you to seek reimbursement from your insurance. Please keep in mind that it is your responsibility to determine how much your insurance will reimburse (if at all) prior to starting services with me. You will be responsible for the entire cost of my fees regardless of how much your insurance will reimburse you with. I do offer a few sliding fee slots, so please contact me if you're in need. Fees are due at the beginning of each session. I accept cash, check or credit card/debit cards.
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Initial Phone Consultation (15-30 minutes) – Free
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Intake Assessment (60-90 minutes) – $175
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On Going Individual Sessions (50 minutes) – $165
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Couples/Family Therapy (50 minutes) - $185
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No Show/Less than 48 hr notice of cancellation- $165
I am currently seeing new clients through my professional association with
Mindful Therapy Group. If you would like to make an appointment, please contact the intake line at: 425-640-7009.
Please contact me below if you have any questions or would like to set up a phone consultation to determine fit.
CONTACT
Susan Sakamoto, PLLC
Mindful Therapy Group Office:
7100 Fort Dent Way, Suite 220
Seattle, WA 98188
sakamotocounseling@gmail.com | Tel: 206-745-2873