How does person-centered therapy work, and what do sessions look like?
Person-centered therapy begins with creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can be yourself and feel genuinely heard. Rather than telling you what you “should” do, I work collaboratively with you to understand your experiences, needs, emotions, and goals. I’m interested in what’s underneath the challenges you’re facing and how your thoughts, feelings, relationships, and environment may be influencing what you’re experiencing.
Sessions are conversational, warm, and individualized. We’ll explore what is happening in your life, identify patterns or barriers that may be getting in the way, and develop practical strategies that feel realistic for you. My goal is for therapy to feel like a partnership where you can better understand yourself, build confidence, and move toward meaningful change at your own pace.
Hi! I’m Dr. Chisato Hotta, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, author, speaker, and neurodivergent therapist. I’m also an ADHD mom raising autistic twin boys, the voice behind **Therapist Mama Bear & 2 Ausome Cubs**, and the co-founder and co-owner of Kindful Place Therapy Center.
I provide virtual therapy for children who can participate in telehealth, teens, adults, and parents. My specialties include autism, ADHD, anxiety, overwhelm, emotional regulation, relationships, life transitions, parenting neurodivergent children, and helping parents or co-parents get on the same page.
My approach is relational, trauma-informed, collaborative, and neurodiversity-affirming. I’m big on asking, **“What’s underneath this?”** Rather than simply trying to stop a behavior or “fix” a person, we’ll work together to understand what is happening, identify what you truly need, and find practical strategies that fit your actual life.
What makes my work unique is the combination of clinical training and lived experience I bring into the room. Sessions with me are warm, genuine, and judgment-free. Therapy can be hard, but it doesn’t have to feel heavy ALL the time—there’s always room for a little laughter too! :) Services are available in English and Japanese.