A little bit about me…
I wholeheartedly believe in the power of therapy because it changed my life. For years, I had searched in the external world for that elusive sense of confidence, misguidedly hoping I would spontaneously “find” it. After all, we often hear the phrase “lost my confidence” as if it were an object that one can misplace. I read books. I listened to experts. I berated myself. But it wasn’t until I learned mindfulness skills to tap into my internal world that my confidence naturally blossomed.
I was confident because I knew myself.
My touchstone continues to be authenticity. There is an intentional integration and wholeness in my work and personal life. I try to refrain from wearing the mask of the “expert” at work, and in my personal life I gravitate toward a lifestyle that engages the mind and body in both the external and internal worlds.
In a fast-paced society that pushes us to do more, I am an anomaly. I believe the true beauty of life can only be experienced by slowing down. In those fleeting moments of being more fully aware, I find a freedom that inspires me to reach for being “present” rather than “impressive.”
Experiences that have influenced me:
- BA in Psychology – UC Berkeley
- MA in Holistic Counseling Psychology – JFK University
- Associate Therapist at Anthropos Community Counseling Center (supporting children, teens, adults, elders, and couples)
- Hakomi Professional Training
- EMDR Training
- Internal Family Systems Training
- Certified grief specialist training
- Hope Hospice dementia-trained volunteer
- Favorite Pastimes: walking with my dog, yoga, creating, pickleball, and laughing
The present moment contains past and future. The secret of transformation is in the way we handle this very moment.
THICH NHAT HANH
Amy Kitajima, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #140368
Ready for change? Contact me for a free 20-minute phone consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Location
2222 Second Street Suite 10
Livermore, CA 94550
(By Appointment Only)
Amy Kitajima, LMFT 