Your Own Wisdom is Already Within
Let's find your inner wisdom to transform together,
so you unlock new possibilities and live your life more fully.
Are you feeling...
like you’re always trying to be the “good” one?
afraid that expressing your true feelings might hurt someone?
like you’re too sensitive—or not strong enough?
weighed down by guilt or shame,
even when no one blames you?
exhausted from taking care of everyone else while ignoring your own needs?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these, I’m here to support you in finding a new way forward.
I work with adults who tend to be caring, introspective, and deeply sensitive—but often end up overwhelmed, self-critical, or emotionally shut down.
Many have learned to hide their emotions, take on too much responsibility, or carry quiet shame around how they cope—
sometimes through sugar cravings, saying “yes” when they want to say “no,” staying quiet even when something hurts, or getting stuck in endless thinking.
My clients often come to therapy feeling burned out and unsure of how to express themselves. Over time, they begin to feel safer in their own skin, more at ease in relationships, and more connected to what truly matters to them.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. I’m here to walk with you—gently, at your own pace.
About Me
Yoshimi Shimizu (she/her), LMHC
Licenses & Certifications
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor, New York State (#011728)
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Certified Clinical Psychologist, Japan (#23554）
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Certified Public Psychologist, Japan（#19889）
Education & Advanced Clinical Training
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M.S. in Clinical Psychology, Ritsumeikan University (Japan)
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Graduate-level coursework in mental health counseling at Long Island University (New York), completed to meet NY State licensing requirements
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Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program, Metropolitan Institute for Training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (MITPP)
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2-Year Certification in Focusing-Oriented Therapy, The International Focusing Institute (TIFI)
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AEDP® Institute: Immersion, Essential Skills, Advanced Skills, Experiential Group Assistant
I believe therapy is not about fixing you. It’s about softening, listening, and reconnecting—with yourself, with what matters, and with the wisdom that has always been there.
I’m Yoshimi Shimizu (she/her), a licensed psychotherapist with a quiet, body-based approach to emotional healing. I specialize in working with sensitive, thoughtful adults—many of whom feel overwhelmed, anxious, or quietly hard on themselves. Some feel they don’t quite belong, or carry emotional wounds that words alone can’t reach.
In our sessions, we slow down. Together, we gently shift from talking about emotions to experiencing them in the body—listening to what each feeling is trying to express. This process, grounded in Focusing and AEDP®, supports emotional clarity, self-compassion, and a deeper sense of inner ease.
While my graduate training began in Japan, I completed additional coursework in New York to meet state licensing requirements and have since built a private practice rooted in both Eastern and Western perspectives on healing.
Having personally experienced cultural adjustment and social anxiety after immigrating to the U.S., I bring warmth, humility, and deep respect for each person’s pace and inner process.
I began offering emotional support as a hotline advocate at Womankind, a nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence. That experience deepened my commitment to clinical work. Since then, I’ve worked in outpatient clinics and group private practices, serving people from diverse racial, cultural, and gender identities.
Today, in addition to individual sessions, I offer supervision and lead workshops in both English and Japanese, sharing practices that support emotional presence, inner safety, and a deeper connection to your wholeness. I’ve facilitated workshops through the North Jersey Focusing Trainers (NJFT) and AEDP® for Japan, and served as an experiential assistant in AEDP® Institute courses.
Whether you're feeling stuck, unsure of how to express yourself, or simply longing to feel more connected—you don’t have to do it alone. Therapy can be a space to come home to yourself.
Areas of Works
I work with adults who are:
– struggling with social anxiety or a quiet fear of being seen or judged
– overwhelmed by self-criticism and the pressure to get things right
– carrying unspoken shame, sadness, or emotional wounds from the past
– feeling guilty when setting boundaries or saying “no”
– coping with the invisible weight of being a sensitive person in a fast-moving world
– navigating life between cultures or identities, and the quiet loneliness that can come with that
I often support individuals who find it difficult to speak up, ask for help, or feel safe taking up space.
My work is grounded in deep listening, relational safety, and cultural sensitivity—especially for those who have felt like outsiders, even in familiar spaces.
Free Initial Consultation
I offer a 20-minute free consultation. This is not a therapy session.
If you are new to psychotherapy, I will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. It will be a good opportunity to see if what the therapist offers matches what you expect in the therapy.
My Approach
Somatic and Experiential Therapy for Inner Safety, Emotional Healing, and Self-Connection
I believe we each carry quiet wisdom and resilience deep inside—sometimes hidden beneath layers of fear, stress, or self-judgment.
In therapy, we’ll gently uncover and nurture those inner resources, at a pace that feels safe for you.
My approach is rooted in somatic awareness, which means we’ll begin to notice what’s happening in your body—not just in your thoughts. We might start by sensing into moments of calm, groundedness, or even subtle ease. You don’t have to do this alone or get it “right.” We’ll move slowly, in a way that feels comfortable for you. Some sensations—like fear, tension, or heaviness—can feel intense or unfamiliar. If they arise, we’ll meet them together, with care and support, and return to safety whenever needed.
As emotions like sadness, anger, or joy arise in our sessions, you may begin by talking about them—sharing the story or thought behind the feeling. From there, I gently guide us to notice how those emotions live in your body.
With time and care, this shift from talking to feeling helps deepen your connection to yourself. You might begin to notice small changes—more space, ease, or calm. These moments gently become the foundation for a stronger sense of self, clarity, and well-being.
You may notice that different parts of you hold conflicting feelings—for example, one part may feel angry, while another quietly says, “You shouldn’t feel that way.” Instead of rejecting those voices, we’ll learn to listen with care and curiosity. Each part of you has something to say, and every part belongs.
This process, repeated with gentleness and patience, helps build self-trust, soften self-criticism, and reconnect with your inner strength. Over time, many clients begin to feel more centered, more at peace, and more connected to who they truly are.
I integrate Focusing and AEDP® psychotherapy—gentle, experiential ways of working that connect body, emotion, and relationship.
My goal is not only to help ease symptoms like anxiety or depression, but also to support you in living more fully—
and arriving at a place where you can say, with quiet confidence: “That’s me.”
About Sessions
I work with adult individuals (18+). Sessions will be held on a weekly basis, 45 or 60 minutes each.
Before your first session, you'll be asked to complete an initial registration form and consent documents.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify me at least forty-eight hours in advance. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged in full, as insurance does not cover missed sessions.
Insurance & Reimbursement
I am an out-of-network provider. If your insurance plan includes out-of-network mental health or behavioral health benefits, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement. Our billing manager can provide a monthly superbill that you to submit. If you're unsure about your coverage, we’re happy to help you check your benefits—please feel free to contact us for assistance.
If you're using international travel insurance, a referral letter from a physician or nurse practitioner is typically required. We may be able to connect you with a provider who can help.
Sliding Scale
Sliding scale rates are available for clients attending weekly sessions and paying fully or partially out of pocket. Availability is limited and based on financial need. If you’d like to inquire, we can discuss it during your initial consultation.
Fees & Payment
Session fees are:
• $250 for a 45-50-minute session
• $300 for a 60-minute session
I understand that therapy is a significant investment. Sliding scale options are available for weekly clients paying out of pocket.
Payment is accepted via Venmo, Zelle, and credit cards (including HSA/FSA).
No transaction fees apply to Venmo or Zelle. A 3% fee applies to credit card payments.
Free Initial Consultation
I offer a 20-minute free consultation. This is not a therapy session.
If you are new to psychotherapy, I will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. It will be a good opportunity to see if what the therapist offers matches what you expect in the therapy.
Access
Office Address: 225 Broadway #1570, New York, NY 10007
Email: info@yoshimi-shimizu.com
Phone: +1 (201) 474-2044
*To get in touch with me, please reach out via email or use the inquiry form provided below. Kindly note that my availability to respond to phone calls may be limited.
Contact Me
An initial consultation is provided for free. If you have a question,
drop me a note through the contact form below.