Frequently Asked Questions

Who does Therapy Garden cater to?

Therapy Garden caters to expatriates, immigrants and globally minded people of different ethnicities, anywhere in the world but typically in Japan, Australia, South/East Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Within Japan, I know that there are many Japanese people who feel more comfortable with an English speaking therapist, and I welcome you.

What types of counseling issues does Therapy Garden cater to?

My counseling addresses a range of issues that expats, global nomads and internationals face, including 1) anxiety and stress management, 2) depression/low mood and a loss of motivation, 3) coping with life changes like area/city relocation, divorce/separation, marriage/parenthood, ageing, retirement, career changes, 4) expat transitions and cultural integration, 5) dealing with feelings of grief as a result of the death of a loved one, a breakup/ separation/divorce, a medical illness or handicap, job loss, 6) navigating single/ dating life in an international city, developing self fulfilment and sufficiency

What therapeutic approaches are used?

I blend (1) an insight-based approach, working with you to understand the "WHY" of your behaviour/ thoughts/ feelings, with (2) an action-oriented approach, giving you the tools you need to address the "SO WHAT" and "NOW WHAT". I genuinely feel that our experiences during childhood shape our perceptions as adults. If you wish to explore these past influences, we could spend some time on this. Yet, most of our journey together will be focused on understanding your present and setting the stage for a brighter future. I use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Solution-Focused Therapy.

How long is each counseling session?

We will spend 50 minutes together in each session, even in our initial consultation. (Group therapy sessions are 90 minutes long)

Where do the counselling sessions take place?

We will meet online over a video call, via Zoom.

Where can I make an appointment?

You can make a booking online, on this website - on the 'Booking and Pricing' page.

Is couples counseling available too?

While I don't specialize in couples counseling, I do support individuals in fostering self-awareness. This aids in recognizing personal triggers and understanding one's needs within a relationship. Together, we can develop skills that enable clear and effective communication with partners. If you're seeking couples counseling specifically, I'd be happy to recommend a fellow therapist within my network who can assist you.

What is the fee for each session?

The session fee ranges from 8,500 JPY (approx. 57 USD) to 12,000 JPY (approx. 80 USD) depending on how many sessions are booked at a time. You could pay per individual session or save with one of the pricing plans. The initial consultation is free, giving us a chance to explore what it would be like to work together. Group therapy is at 3500 JPY per session. Clients living in Japan will be charged Consumption Tax (10%) in addition to this fee.

Can I pay for multiple sessions together?

Yes, absolutely. You could pay per individual session or save with one of the pricing plans - paying for 4 sessions or 12 sessions at a time. Clients typically prefer to pay for 4 sessions at a time, especially when they are new to Therapy Garden. We can discuss this during the initial consultation and answer any other questions you may have.

How are payments made?

Payments are made via PayPal/ bank transfer/ convenience store payments, on this site. Contact if this method doesn't suit you.

Can I get a refund if I cancel a session?

You can reschedule a session if you give more than 36 hours notice. For less than 36 hours notice, there will be no refund.

Will I be charged Consumption Tax?

Clients living in Japan will be charged Consumption Tax (10%) in addition to the service fee. Clients living outside Japan can receive services tax-free.

What are Diya's counselor credentials?

I (Diya John) am a counselor and psychotherapist with a Masters in Psychology and a Diploma in Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. Additionally, I'm trained as an International Lifeline (Crisis Helpline) support worker. My therapy approach is enriched by over a decade of uncovering human insights during my tenure as a consumer researcher in the corporate sector. Inspired by my personal journey as an expat in Japan, I established Therapy Garden with a vision to bring evidence-based counseling closer to expatriates, immigrants, and the global community.

What is the story behind Therapy Garden?

I started Therapy Garden to make evidence-based therapy more accessible to expats, nomads and internationals around the world. I’ve always been interested in Psychology and different cultures, and for nearly 10 years, my corporate job involved researching and understanding people around Asia Pacific including India, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Australia & New Zealand. When I relocated to Japan, adjusting to a new environment came with several challenges. There was the additional strain of Covid-19 lockdowns and limited social interaction. There were many days when I felt incredibly anxious, and stuck. At the same time, I knew I was very lucky to be in this country, and I wanted to work through what was stopping me from living fully. The best therapy sessions I attended during this time were life changing, empowering me with evidence-based tools to deal with life’s challenges. It wasn't easy to find these sorts of therapists, and they weren't usually accessible to English speakers in Japan. This is when the idea for Therapy Garden was born.

What values does Therapy Garden operate by?

People have different experiences from therapy in general - some good, some not so good. The quality of therapy differs greatly based on the type of therapist, and where in the world you seek it. Ultimately people pay money to access this service, and so I am very keen to deliver value in everything that I do. My approach is guided by the values of 1) inclusivity, catering to English speakers of all ethnicities, 2) accessibility, with all sessions available online with different pricing options, 3) community-inspired, believing in the power of our collective experience and the comfort that comes with knowing we are not alone. 4) I am very particular about using tools & therapies that are backed by evidence, like CBT, ACT, and Solution-Focused Therapy. 5) I don't give you advice, since I believe you are the expert of your own life. At the same time, I don't "just listen". My role is to help you find your strengths, empowering you with information and tools to overcome your challenges. 6) My practice is expertise-based, and it's my responsibility to refer you to someone else in my network if your presenting problem is beyond my expertise.

What is the policy on confidentiality and data privacy?

Here's the clause on Confidentiality that I follow: "The content of the Session(s) will be treated as highly confidential information. The Counsellor will need to discuss the work with their counsellor but the Counsellor will not use any identifying details of the Client except for a few circumstances as the follows: • If the Counsellor considers the Client to be at risk of seriously harming themselves or someone else • If the counselling records have been requested by government authorities • If another party or agency has requested the Client’s information, and the Client has agreed in writing. The Counsellor will take notes during or after each Session to help to keep track of the progress together. These notes will be stored in a private and secure location and may be viewed by the Client if the Client so wishes. The counselling records will be kept by the service for a period of one (1) year from the date of the Client’s last contact with the service. There will be no recording of video calls or audio calls."

Are appointments in the evenings, and on weekends possible?

Absolutely. Understanding the needs of working professionals, I've made available sessions from 5pm to 7:30pm Japan time, Monday through Thursday. Additionally, for those available on weekends, I offer sessions on Sunday from 10:00am to 6:30pm Japan time. For clients residing outside of Japan, these evening and weekend timings often align more favorably with their respective time zones.

Are audio/ chats possible instead of video calls?

I would always recommend video calls for the best therapy experience, but if there is some reason you would prefer audio calls or chats, feel free to let me know and we can discuss the possibility of audio calls/ chat. In general however, any contact via social media/ phone is limited to practical arrangements only.

How can I check if a free slot is available?

You can navigate to the Booking Calendar, and select 'Check Next Availability'.

Do I need to download any app or software to participate in the counselling sessions?

No, since the video calls are run via Zoom.

Is the service available in languages other than English?

No, but feel free to Contact me and I can refer you to another therapist in my network based on your need.

Can I reach out for immediate help in case of an emergency?

Since this is not a crisis service, we don't take emergency calls. However, I've put together a list of emergency contact numbers if ever you do need them here.

Which is the best place to reach out for a business or collaboration query?

You could reach out to me on Linkedin or via the form here.