Mizuho Counselling
Holistic Support for Japanese Women Living Abroad
About Mizuho
Hello, I’m Mizuho (she/her), a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) with 12 years of experience supporting diverse populations at general hospitals and a children’s hospital in British Columbia. I specialize in providing culturally-sensitive counselling services for Japanese-speaking expat women who are experiencing anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, and feelings of isolation.
As someone who has lived abroad for over 22 years (21 years in Canada and 1 year in Costa Rica), I deeply understand the unique challenges faced by Japanese women in foreign environments. My journey began as a high school exchange student living with Canadian host families in small town Canada, which gave me firsthand experience of cultural immersion at a young age. This early experience, along with my personal journey through cultural adaptation, language barriers, identity reconstruction, and navigating educational systems, employment challenges, healthcare services, and family life abroad, has shaped my compassionate approach to counselling.
As someone who has experienced the struggles of studying and working in a second language, working in and accessing foreign healthcare systems, and raising children in a cross-cultural context, I offer support that bridges cultural understanding with evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
My Approach
I offer a holistic, person-centred, and strength-based approach that addresses the mind, body, and heart connection. My practice integrates:
- Somatic EMDR therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Inner child work
- Polyvagal theory
- Attachment theory
- Gestalt therapy techniques
- Trauma-informed care
Through this integrative approach, clients learn to reconnect with their authentic selves, develop healthy boundaries, reduce anxiety, and build confidence while navigating cross-cultural experiences.
Services
Individual Counselling
- 60-minute sessions (online)
- Conducted in Japanese and English
- Tailored for the unique challenges of expat women
Areas of Focus
Managing anxiety and perfectionism
Overcoming people-pleasing tendencies
Building connections while maintaining authenticity
Cross-Cultural Educational Challenges
- Supporting Japanese students struggling with Canadian academic expectations
- Addressing anxiety and perfectionism in academic settings
- Helping international students build confidence in their abilities
- Managing imposter syndrome in educational environments
- Supporting parents of children in Canadian schools
Parenting in a Cross-Cultural Context
- Balancing Japanese parenting values with Canadian expectations
- Managing parent-child relationships across cultures
- Supporting mothers experiencing parenting stress in a foreign environment
- Building confidence as a parent away from traditional support networks
Session Rates
- Individual Counselling (60 minutes): $140 CAD
- Payment can be made via etransfer and Paypal
- Possible Extended Health coverage* for BC residents
*Please check with your insurance provider if counselling with a Registered Social Worker is covered under your plan, as coverage varies by provider and plan.
Client Information
✓ New clients are currently being accepted
I welcome Japanese-speaking women who are:
- Living in Vancouver, Lower Mainland, Victoria, Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Okanagan, Kamloops, Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, Nelson, or elsewhere in BC.
- Experiencing feelings of isolation while living abroad
- Struggling with anxiety or self-doubt in cross-cultural contexts
- Finding it difficult to maintain boundaries while navigating cultural differences
- Experiencing perfectionism or impostor syndrome in work, academic, or social settings
- Facing challenges with parenting, education, or employment in Canada
✓ Professional referrals are welcome
I appreciate referrals from healthcare providers, educators, counsellors, and social workers who are working with Japanese-speaking women who might benefit from culturally-specific support.
Credentials
- Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Calgary
- Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the BC College of Social Workers
- Trained in Somatic EMDR, Expressive Play Therapy, Maternal Mental Health, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Contact Information
For inquiries or to schedule an appointment, please contact:
- Email: info@mizuhocounselling.com
- Website: www.mizuhocounselling.com
Please note: Individual counselling services are available only to residents of BC, while coaching services can be provided to clients worldwide. Please contact me for more details.
For Japanese-speaking clients, detailed information is available on the Japanese pages of this website.