Emi Ichimura, M.S.,
PhD (2025)

Doctoral Practicum Trainee
(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)

In-Network Insurance

Contact information

A Bit About Me

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. My educational journey includes a B.A. in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and an M.S. in Psychological Science from Seattle Pacific University. Currently, I am a third-year Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at Seattle Pacific University, where I am passionate about fostering healing and transformation through culturally responsive care.

As a second-generation Japanese American, I am deeply committed to promoting culturally responsive and accessible care, while decentering from Eurocentric treatment models. I hold a firm belief that many individuals have grown up in environments that invalidate their experiences, which transmits messages that have become deeply internalized and seemingly unchangeable. However, I also believe that with a safe, nurturing space, we all possess the innate capacity to hone self-compassion and heal ourselves. Together, we can embark on a journey of exploration, patience, and growth, unlocking the incredible potential for transformation that lies within you.

In my previous experiences, I have worked with interpersonal conflict at the Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center, provided DBT skills training to struggling parents, and facilitated mindfulness groups for perfectionistic minority youth. Regarding research, I am deeply committed to cultivating expertise in the topic of severe social isolation, particularly in relation to the phenomenon known as “hikikomori.” Additionally, I am dedicated to investigating other crucial aspects such as interpersonal shame and the stigmatization surrounding mental health. My aspiration is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the contextual and psychological factors contributing to hikikomori, enabling me to contribute to the development of effective assessment tools and tailored interventions for individuals experiencing this complex phenomenon. Currently, I serve on the executive board for the Division on Students at the Asian American Psychological Association, where I work to empower students in their pursuit of becoming aspiring clinicians and leaders in academia.

During my downtime, I enjoy unwinding with loved ones outdoors, making the most of the rare Seattle summertime weather. Aside from psychology, my passion lies is in the martial art of Japanese sword fighting “Kendo,” passed down through generations in my family.

Areas of Expertise

  • Asian and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) mental health
  • Cultural adjustment and immigration
  • Impact of racism, homophobia, transphobia and other forms of oppression and discrimination
  • Gender and sexual identity
  • Bicultural stress and identity
  • Adjustment to parenthood and postpartum depression/anxiety
  • Sexual Trauma and other trauma
  • Family of origin concerns
  • Relationship concerns (communication, opening up, intimacy, family planning, and more)
  • Cross-cultural communication and conflict
  • Loneliness and disconnection
  • Sexual concerns
  • Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders
  • Activists, therapists, healers
  • Training, mentoring, and supervision of other mental health clinicians
  • Consultation with mental health clinicians

I adhere to the ethical code as established by the American Psychological Association, and the professional standards as described in the Washington State Psychology Licensing Laws (RCW 18.83, 18.130, and WAC 308-122). If you have any concerns about the treatment you receive, please feel free to discuss them with me. If I fail to respond to your satisfaction, you have the right to register a complaint with the Department of Health, Washington State Examining Board of Psychology, PO Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504, (253) 753-2147. You may also register a complaint to the Ethics Committee of the Washington State Psychological Association at (206) 363-9772.

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If you are interested in becoming a new client please fill out the form below to connect with us so we can work on providing you a customized appointment recommendation or an appointment with the therapist you requested. Either our Operations Manager, Rachel Messer, or the therapist requested will reach out to you within 2-3 business days from your form submission. You can also contact Rachel directly at 206-659-5945 for assistance

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