We are delighted to welcome our new counselor, George Takeda, LMFT, to Tokyo Mental Health’s growing team of mental health providers!
George Takeda holds a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in California, USA. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California with over 9 years of experience working in the field of mental health. George relocated to Japan in 2021 with his wife and 2 children to continue providing mental health support to adults, children, and families.
In his experience as a therapist, George has provided counseling for a wide range of people of different ages, ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds to treat various mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, grief/loss, relationship issues, etc. While working with adults, couples, and families, George was trained in the Restoration Therapy model, which utilizes Attachment Theory, Emotional Regulation, and Mindfulness to change destructive patterns that impact a person’s life and their relationship with others. During his time working in the community mental health setting, he provided treatment for children with severe mental and behavioral problems, including suicidal and homicidal ideation, self-harming behavior, aggression, ADHD, trauma, and developmental disorders, such as autism. While supporting children with overcoming their struggles, George also worked with parents on parenting skills and crisis management so that they have the tools they need to effectively support their children.
George has a passion for helping others thrive as individuals and in their relationships. Being strength based and solution focused, he seeks to be a guide for those who are struggling and feeling stuck by highlighting and developing their inner strengths and developing a road map to personal growth and fulfillment.
George specializes in:
We asked George some questions to get to know her better…read more below!
What do you enjoy most about being a social worker?
I enjoy being a part of people’s journey of healing. Having gone through seasons in my life where I felt stuck, broken, and lost, I understand the feeling of hopelessness when nothing in life seems to be going right. Before I ever got involved in mental health, I went through a particularly dark time in my life with depression that I struggled to get out of. I tried my best to avoid and forget what I was going through by having fun, spending time with friends, etc., but at the end of the day, I would always return home feeling empty. Eventually, I gave therapy a try after years of feeling lost. My very first therapy session did not solve all my problems or change my life circumstances, but for the first time, I felt seen by someone. This gave me the small glimmer of hope that I needed to eventually overcome my depression and start living life with purpose once again. Ever since then, I wanted to be that same guiding light for others and see people find joy and fulfillment in their life.
What are your hobbies?
Although having kids has really limited my time to be able to engage in some of my hobbies, I do want to get back into martial arts again. I spent over 10 years of my life practicing Nippon Kempo, including teaching and competing in tournaments in the USA and Japan. I enjoyed the competition aspect of it and the actual combat was a tremendous stress reliever. Aside from martial arts, I enjoy playing video games and board games with friends as well as spending time with my wife at a nice tea/boba shop.
