Hello,
My name is Utako Harada (AMFT# 160606), and I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I support children, teens, adults, couples, and families who are navigating life’s challenges and seeking growth and healing.
I work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as those experiencing depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. I am especially passionate about supporting individuals and families impacted by trauma, including abuse, adverse childhood experiences, grief and loss, immigration and acculturation challenges, and dysfunctional patterns that may have been passed down from previous generations. In our work together, we will explore how these experiences show up in your daily life and in your relationships with others. My role as your therapist is to support you in processing your thoughts and emotions, while helping you better understand how they shape your experiences. We will also focus on practical ways to cope, build on your strengths, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
I am bilingual in English and Japanese and offer therapy in both languages.
Utako Harada AMFT#160606
EDUCATION & TRAINING
I was primarily raised in Japan, spent part of my high school years studying in Sweden, and later moved to the United States to pursue my college education. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and worked as a certified paralegal for several years.
Over the past decade, I worked as a caregiver for children diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. This experience shaped my passion for mental health and led me to earn a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Massachusetts Global.
For the past two years, I have been working as a school-based therapist at a local high school, supporting students and their families. In addition, I have experience with animal-assisted psychotherapy in a farm setting, where I worked with children and youth in foster care, as well as individuals affected by domestic violence.
APPROACH
I offer a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable being yourself and sharing openly. Together, we will work toward meaningful change that aligns with your goals, at a pace that feels right for you. My approach is client-centered and strength-based, and I utilize various therapeutic techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Theory, and Bowman Family Systems Theory. I use these approaches flexibly to support your unique needs and experiences.
Supervised by: Narae Bernabe, LMFT #95046