Dr. Tanaka's primary clinical interests include couples/relationship issues, interpersonal process groups, and past trauma. She enjoys working with people from different cultural backgrounds. She takes a person-centered integrative approach to healing, incorporating modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, visualizations, experiential exercises, somatic techniques, inner child work, parts work, and interpersonal therapy.
Other issues addressed include (but not limited to):
Self-love/self-esteem
Emotional neglect
Personal development/self-exploration
Stress management
Adjustment/transitions (e.g., moving, new job, relationship break-up)
Issues stemming from emotional wounds from childhood (developmental trauma/complex trauma, childhood emotional neglect)
Dr. Tanaka strives to create a safe and supportive space where you can express your feelings and thoughts, and explore who you really are and what you really want in order to achieve your goals and live a more satisfying life. She will give you her unconditional presence and hold space for you to fully feel your emotions and validate how you feel. Dr. Tanaka wants to help you get to the root of your issues (rather than just focusing on symptom-reduction) so you can live more wholeheartedly and really thrive! She also recognizes that it takes courage to live authentically. Sessions are custom-tailored for each client's unique circumstances. You will have an opportunity to examine your thinking and behavioral patterns as well as to receive clear and direct interpersonal feedback to gain greater awareness about your interpersonal patterns. Also, you may learn to connect better with your emotions and your body, facilitating healing from previous trauma and emotional wounding. By becoming more "whole" through integrating discrepant aspects of yourself (emotions, mind, body), you will gain greater self-awareness, allowing you to make more intentional choices and meet your current unmet needs.
"The time has come to stop trying to feel better and instead become better at feeling" ~ Teal Swan