I didn’t decide to become a therapist until I was in my thirties. I became a licensed psychotherapist after encountering my own life challenges. I was born and raised in Japan and came to the United States as a foreign student at age 18. I got married at age 22, had a family with two children, a corporate job, and a house. Some said that I was living the American Dream. Life seemed so good for a while until my family started falling apart. My life became unmanageable, unpredictable and scary for a single mother with two young children. I kept blaming myself because I could not understand why I allowed this disaster and shameful thing to happen to my family.
That was when I learned about the importance of my inner voice. The superficial family structure that I was desperately trying to preserve was holding me back from my own journey to become who I was meant to be. I met a wonderful supportive psychotherapist who helped me get through the process of freeing myself from what I “SHOULD” be feeling. The numbers of “Ah-Hah” moments in therapy and how I was able to move on with my life inspired me to become a therapist, and shortly after, I started pursuing the process of becoming one.
In addition to my passion for psychotherapy, I have over 25 years of firsthand experience working in the corporate world, raising family, and managing single-motherhood and a blended family. As I mentioned above, I am also a first generation immigrant who has faced cultural challenges throughout my marriage, career and parenting.
Please know that you don’t have to travel alone in your life journey. It is okay to stop, take a detour, change direction, or even start over, and I will be your guide when you need one.
Call me for a brief consultation at 949-533-5389. I will be glad to answer any questions and concerns you may have about counseling.
Chisato Sakata Ramsey
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Registered California Board of Behavioral Science
Subpages (1): Japanese