Counselling in Japanese and English in CairnsAkari Counselling Service

Introduction

AKARI Counselling Service, which takes its name from the Japanese word for 'light', situated in Cairns, Australia, provides a supportive environment for individuals facing a diverse range of challenges. These challenges include, but are not limited to, issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), relationship difficulties, domestic violence (DV), abuse, grief and loss, substance abuse, as well as matters related to sexuality and intercultural adjustment.

Sayoko, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Counsellor, is proficient in both Japanese and English. She provides support to individuals, helping them navigate challenges and work towards a positive and resilient future.

For those residing beyond Cairns, we extend the availability of video call sessions, ensuring our services remain accessible regardless of your location. You can begin your healing and growth journey by connecting with AKARI Counselling Service.

Please feel free to contact us in Japanese or English

info@akaricounsellingservice.com Phone: 0423 173 879

FAX: 07 3523 3918

What We Do

Our service is rooted in a strengths-based, person-centered model that has been adapted to uphold cultural sensitivity. A qualified Japanese and English speaking mental health social worker/counsellor offers:

  • Counseling services for individuals, families, and couples
  • Referrals to additional support services
  • Culturally appropriate counselling that draws from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Therapies, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Anyone can make a referral to AKARI counselling service, including people who want to refer themselves.

Please feel free to contact us in Japanese or English

info@akaricounsellingservice.com 0423 173 879

Service & Fee

Individual  Session

- Medicare funded sessions available (Fees apply)

- Employment Assistant Program (EAP) provider (Access EAP and Converge)

video and phone call sessions are available

Counsellor Profile

Sayoko Akamatsu

Sayoko Akamatsu

Profile

Sayoko's journey began in Tokyo, Japan, where she spent her formative years. She pursued her academic pursuits in Canada, specialising in Child and Youth Care at the university level. With a wealth of experience in the helping profession, gained across both Japan and Australia, Sayoko has cultivated a profound understanding of diverse cultural contexts.

Currently, Sayoko works as a dedicated counsellor within a not-for-profit organisation and a private clinic in Cairns. Her commitment to fostering well-being and growth continues to make a positive impact on the people that she works with.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (University of Victoria, Canada)
  • Diploma of Counselling (Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors)
  • Master of Social Work (James Cook University)

Membership

  • Australian Association for Social Workers (AASW)
  • Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)
  • Medicare Provider

Related Work History:

  • Child and Youth Care Practitioner at Children's Residential Home  (Tokyo)
  • Coordinator for International Community Development Projects in NGO (Tokyo)
  • Women's and Children's Support Worker at Women's Shelter (Darwin - https://www.dawnhouse.org.au/)
  • Youth Support Worker at Youth Residential Home (Darwin)
  • Counsellor (AOD & DBT) at Youth Service in Cairns - (https://yeti.net.au/our-team-2/) and in private practice

A list of Sayoko's Professional Development history is available upon request

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact us in Japanese or English

Sayoko Akamatsu

Japanese and English Speaking Counsellor