Navigating English-Speaking Therapy Options in Tokyo

The counseling options listed below are among those that I refer my clients to when we aren't a good fit owing to reasons like budget constraints, or if their presenting issue is outside my area of expertise. I will be continually updating this list, so watch this space for further additions.

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If you have budget constraints or need urgent crisis assistance

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TELL Japan (often simply referred to as TELL) is a not-for-profit organization that provides mental health support and counseling services to the international and local community in Japan. Established in 1973, TELL has been instrumental in offering various services, which include the Tell Lifeline - a free, anonymous, and confidential telephone and online chat counseling service, operating daily for several hours. This Lifeline provides immediate support to people in emotional distress, facing challenges, or simply in need of someone to talk to. The major benefit is that it's free and available even until 11pm on most days. The disadvantage is that you won't be able to choose who you talk to, and you will most likely not be able to talk to the same support worker if you call/ contact chat the second time, and so there is a lack of continuity. 

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If you need medication for mental illness

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If you or your loved one is suffering with conditions that get in the way of living life as usual, like major depressive disorder, panic disorder, insomnia for more than 2 weeks, obsessive compulsive disorder, hallucinations/ delusions, eating disorders or severe mood fluctuations (bipolar disorder), it may help to see a psychiatrist - a medical professional who will be able to diagnose a mental illness and prescribe medication if necessary. Mejiro-sola Clinic in Shinjuku, Tokyo is recommended for its bilingual service in English and Japanese. It was founded by Fumitaka Noda M.D., PhD., based on his experience as a psychiatrist and educator in Japan and overseas. The Clinic accepts Japanese Medical Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken or Shakai Hoken) for its medical services, although the psychotherapy service is not covered by insurance, as is generally the case in Japan. 

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If you are having problems in your relationship, and you and your partner would like to address them together

 

Darius P. Skowronski Ph.D. is a fully licensed clinical sexologist who specializes in relationships, gender and sexuality issues, sex education and sexual development, sexual health and satisfaction, sexual disorders, sexual addictive behaviors and sexual abuse. He is also passionate about cross-cultural psychology with a special emphasis on international couples and marriages. His clinic at Aoyama, Tokyo aims at psychological and sexual well-being of individuals, couples and families. 

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If you are a parent looking for counseling support for your teenager

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Teenagers today must navigate the stressful demands of a complex and competitive digital age, where the allure and pressures of social media can be immense. Natasha Kottegoda-Breden assists young individuals in discovering their genuine self and values, teaching them techniques to manage life's numerous obstacles. This includes coping with fluctuating or low moods, mastering new skills to better challenging relationships, dealing with family trauma and separation, addressing attachment concerns from early years, integrating culturally into a new school or country, or confronting issues of identity and sexuality. Their therapy sessions are precisely tailored to meet the unique needs of each child.

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For a counselor specialised in LGBTQIA+ issues 

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Sabrina Surovec specializes in LGBTQIA+ issues and historical trauma in their online private practice Rainbow Head Therapy. The foundation of their counseling style rests on a philosophical background of existentialist and intersectional feminist thought. Person-Centered, Solution-Focused Therapy informs their therapeutic practice.  Sabrina is also fandom-friendly, and knowledgeable about issues surrounding online harassment. Holistic wellness is important to them, and they are supportive and knowledgeable concerning issues with sexuality, gender identity, and sex-positive, SSC (safe, sane, consensual kink practices).

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For an expat career coach 

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Nathan Cornwell Consulting creates workplace success for expats and international teams. They use their expertise in employability and organisational psychology to create personable, evidence-based and results-focused solutions. The unique approach has helped individuals and organisations across the globe to improve their performance. The business was founded by Nathan Cornwell, an organisational psychologist, talent management and employability specialist who has lived and worked abroad for over 10 years including in China, South Korea, Vietnam and the UAE. He leverages his experiences consulting with renowned MNCs such as KPMG, EY and PwC to help make international leadership work.

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