Hi! I’m Akemi (they/elle/she/ella), I identify as a Black multiracial bilingual (Spanish-English) second generation Panamanian immigrant and a Bay Area transplant from sunny South Florida. I’m currently an advanced Clinical Psychology PhD candidate at Palo Alto University (PAU) and have my 200 hrs Registered Yoga Teacher Training. My research emphases include sexual wellness and sexual pleasure, intersectionality, sex therapy, and attachment theory in consensual non-monogamy.

The process of change and healing is challenging. What makes it more difficult is that healing is often not a singular goal, but rather a practice of venturing outside of our comfort zone. Healing is a bold adventure that asks us to utilize both our introspection and imagination to profoundly shape our journey. Sometimes the journey can become daunting and our imagination can wane as we feel defeated and alone. My experience has shown me time and time again just how resilient people are.

In my collaborations with clients, I strive to provide culturally sensitive and trauma informed care. Whether working with individuals of diverse race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, relationship orientation, immigrant generation, and religion/spirituality, I prioritize creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space. From my specialty training with LGBTQ+ clients, to my work with asylum seekers and military veterans, I focus on co-creating safety within the therapeutic space. I use evidence-based practices to strengthen the mind-body relationship and share techniques designed to increase self-awareness and self-regulation skills. My approach is designed to help people navigate various challenges, including life transitions, relationship distress, new medical conditions, trauma, identity exploration, intergenerational wounds, panic attacks, or sexual concerns. For individuals, I emphasize empowerment through goal setting, exploring values, cultivating self-compassion, and practicing centered accountability. In working with romantic partners, I support them in deepening their connection by increasing awareness of both personal and shared needs and facilitating open, vulnerable communication.

In my free time, I can be found sun basking with the elements, by a body of moving water and soulful tree or finding my latest yoga flow on the mat.

Services Include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety (CBT-A); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Exposure, Relaxation, Rescripting Therapy (ERRT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C)
• Gender Affirming Care (including letters of readiness for gender transitions)
• Gottman’s Method
• Mindfulness & Somatics
• Sensate Focus Therapy
• Therapy in Spanish and/or English