A soft place to land
At different points in life—from our 30s, midlife, to our elder years—we may find ourselves reflecting on where we’ve been and where we’re going. We may begin questioning our direction, navigating changes in relationships or identity, or noticing old patterns showing up in new ways.
We may hold questions about purpose, change, aging, and what this next chapter of our life might look like.
In this world and life that moves so quickly, therapy can be a space to slow down, soften, and reconnect with ourselves. I offer individual therapy to support you in understanding your inner world and moving toward a life that feels more grounded and aligned.
Welcome!
Hi, I’m Mariru (mah-ri-ru). I'm a licensed clinical social worker based in Oakland, on Chochenyo Ohlone land. I am queer, and second-generation Japanese American.
As a therapist, I love supporting people navigate life transitions, identity, aging, and emotional complexity across time, culture, and relationships.
Please read on to see if I might be a good fit for you on your therapy journey. If you’d like to get a better feel by speaking on the phone, please feel free to reach out using the contact form.
Approach
My approach is relational and curious. I believe that we all have inner wisdom, and it’s a labor of love to practice listening for it, and to pay attention to our inner experience.
Together, we will explore what is happening in your life currently, while also making space for the emotions, relationships, histories, and patterns that may be shaping your experience. At times, we may practice slowing down, and notice how your emotions are showing up in your body.
Rather than judging or trying to fix parts of yourself, I aim to help you develop a deeper understanding of your experience and the ways you have learned to navigate the world. From that understanding, new possibilities for change can emerge.
My practice is grounded in a decolonizing, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive lens, honoring the ways that family, culture, history, and larger systems shape our experiences and sense of self.
Client Focus
I work with adults across different stages of life, including those navigating identity, cultural belonging, family expectations, caregiving, grief, life transitions, and questions about how they want to live.
I especially enjoy working with queer, BIPOC, Japanese American, and multicultural adults navigating identity, cultural belonging, family relationships, caregiving, aging, and life transitions.
You might be:
– feeling stuck, unsettled, or unsure about your direction
– navigating changes in career, relationships, or sense of self
– reflecting on aging, purpose, or what comes next
– noticing old wounds or family patterns resurfacing in your relationships or in parenting
– holding the impact of intergenerational or relational experiences
– exploring identity, culture, and belonging
My practice is inclusive of all bodies, abilities, genders, and relationship styles, including CNM/polyamory, kink/BDSM, and sex work.
I am passionate about providing a space where your layered identities and lived experiences are not only acknowledged but centered in our work.
Japanese ・
バイリンガルセラピー
I also offer therapy in Japanese and enjoy working with Japanese and bicultural clients. I aim to create a space where you can move between languages and experiences in a way that feels natural and supportive.
日本語のセラピー・カウンセリングも大歓迎です。
日本語と英語の間で感じることや、文化やアイデンティティについても安心して話せる場を大切にしています。
アメリカで育ったバックグラウンドがあり、日本語と英語を行き来しながらお話しすることも可能です。必要に応じて英語を交えながら、一緒に安心できるペースで進めていきます。
お気軽にご連絡ください。
Contact
If you feel curious to meet me, I’m happy to connect for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit.