Fusako Yamagiwa, LICSW

Clinical Interests: CPTSD, Intergenerational Trauma, Immigration/Acculturation Issues, 1st Generation College students, Racial and Cultural Identity Development.

I see symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or addiction develop as the mind’s way to cope with life challenges. My first goal as your therapist is to provide a place to listen without judgment. Next, I work with clients to develop alternative coping mechanisms, enabling them to create a space for insight-oriented work. On a deeper level, I utilize somatic work, parts work, and Memory Reconsolidation Therapies such as Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Progressive Counting Therapy to assist clients in healing past wounds and fostering Post-traumatic Growth. I often incorporate Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and other body-centered approaches in sessions to guide clients in employing self-calming skills.

Education: M.S.W., Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA; B.A. in Journalism & Creative Writing, Baruch College, City University of New York, N.Y.

Professional Experience: Private practice offering Trauma-Focused Intensives; Outpatient clinic therapist, Outreach at TAY (Transitional Age Youth and Young Adults) program; Clinical case management in community mental health, Western MA; Clinical training as Rape Crisis Counselor Advocate at Center for Women and Community, UMass Amherst; Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate, Safe Passage, Northampton, MA.

Certifications/Licenses: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker; Certified in EMDR by EMDRIA; Certified in Progressive Counting and Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy by Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute.

Memberships: EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), Nasional Association of Social Workers (NASW)

More about me: I grew up in Japan and first came to the United States over 20 years ago as an adult on a cultural exchange program to teach Japanese in a public high school in the Midwest. I earned a bachelor's degree in journalism at a public college in Manhattan. Partly inspired by my own experience of finding healing from trauma through therapy, I attended Smith College School of Social Work. Now, I am grateful to be able to use my life experiences and professional skills to help UMass students. I aim to create a welcoming, peaceful, supportive oasis for students during these frenetic and stressful times.

In my spare time, I like to visit family in Japan, learn ballroom dancing, hike, and photograph the natural beauty of the mountains and woodlands of Western Massachusetts.