About Nina
In the world of therapy, some professionals believe the role of the therapist is to be a “blank slate”, or to share as little about themselves as possible in order to keep an objective relationship. Research shows that the most important factor for therapy to be successful is the relationship between therapist and client. Because my approach to therapy is rooted in this emphasis on relationships, it is important to me that my clients know who is sharing space with them during their therapy journey.
I was born and raised in the greater Seattle area to a Japanese American family of five. As the oldest of three, I self-identify with the pop psychology phenomenon of “eldest daughter syndrome” (if you know, you know). I started dancing competitively in high school, and fell in love with the sport, leading me to dance competitively in college. Once I retired from dance, I began coaching high school dancers where my passion for mental health and development really emerged. At that time I was finishing my undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, and taking the metro bus home for practices, competitions, and games every weekend. I continued to coach until starting my masters program in 2021, and began my therapy practice in 2024.
When I am not in session with clients or nerding out over the latest psychology books and research, I love to spend time outdoors with my partner and our dog, Gus. I also love rock hunting and exploring tidepools on the Washington coast, and analyzing the latest season of my favorite reality TV show, Survivor. I believe nachos are a meal, not an appetizer and in another universe, I would be funny enough to be a stand up comic.
Nina’s first day of school. This version of Nina did not know she’d be in school for another 20 years
Nina (left) and her “therapist”, Gus (right)
Nina’s rock hunting and tide pooling paradise on 35 mm film
Some people call this ‘the boring stuff’, but it’s important to me that you know I am qualified to be your therapist. I received my Masters in Counseling from the CACREP-accredited counseling program at Seattle University.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) (License #MC.61559780) in the state of Washington. As an associate therapist, I am under the supervision of Mary Erickson, LMHC. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).
Credentials
Education
University of Washington
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Medical Anthropology and Global Health
Seattle University
Master of Arts in Education, Counseling
“To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.”