Ryota Sakurai M.S. A.M.F.T
Counselor
Ryota Sakurai an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), and Licensed Industrial Counselor working toward getting an MFT license. He finished his BA in Psychology at State University of New York at Buffalo in 2010. He served as a counselor for children with behavioral problems including ADHD at a school facility. Then, he went to graduate school at California State University, Fullerton, to complete his master’s in Clinical Psychology. While in the program, he did his clinical training at a public elementary school, a therapist training facility, and a treatment center for substance misuse.
Ryota received his M.S. in 2017 and started working as an AMFT at another treatment center for substance misuse in San Clamente in CA. He has worked with clients with depression, general anxiety, social anxiety, behavioral problems, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and substance abuse. He uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, object relations, and seeking safety. He also has experience working with couples and families.
We asked some questions to Ryota to get to know him and his services better!
Table of Contents
What Are Your Specialties?
During the practicum in my master’s program and in my post graduate internship, I worked at two rehabs for substance abuse in southern California. I’ve had a lot of experience working with clients who have dual diagnoses (e.g. substance abuse and depression, panic attacks, etc.).
I’m well trained to provide couples counseling, especially couples struggling with substance use disorders and/or recovering from infidelity. Also, I’m currently learning EFT (emotionally focused therapy) both for couples and individuals.
What is Your Main Research Interest?
My master’s thesis research was on NMRE (negative mood regulation expectancy). This is the ability to cope with one’s negative feelings and mood by believing that one can cope with them.
I’m still interested in what helps people become resilient and what helps people improve their mental health problems.
How Frequently Do You Recommend Coming to Sessions?
It depends, but I usually recommend my clients to come more frequently when they start therapy. I believe that would help them establish the solid ground needed to make good recovery possible. In general, I tell my clients to come to sessions once every other week or once every three weeks. Obviously, it depends on them. Some of my clients come to sessions once a month. I even have a couple of clients who come to sessions once every three months for maintenance.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Being a Counselor?
I enjoy seeing my clients change their lives. I believe they all have their own power to change their lives. As a counselor, I want to help them be aware of the power they have. I also enjoy helping them re-narrate their lives. Everyone has their own stories. It is my privilege to hear their stories and add some meaning to them.
What are Your Hobbies?
Going on a hike, reading (French literature is my favorite), jogging & cooking (trying to expand my repertoire).
