About Yoko Katahira-Ables, MA

I am currently in my second year of clinical experience working under the supervision of Dr. Jinariu, specializing in trauma treatment with children, adolescents, and families. My work has included treating trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment, self-esteem, and familial conflict and separation. As a trauma-informed clinician, I understand my clients from a psychodynamic and systems-based framework, encompassing one’s familial, educational, and broader cultural context. My commitment to understanding the intersecting identities and lived experiences of my clients plays a crucial role in developing treatments that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

 

 

Education & Training

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I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) degree from Azusa Pacific University. I earned my Masters of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in May 2024 and two Bachelor’s of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Psychology and Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2022.

 

During my undergraduate studies, I conducted research on educational inequity and experiences of marginalization encountered by low-income, first-generation students of color. My current dissertation research centers on the overlapping effects of institutionalized racism and sexism on the psychological well-being of women of color in higher education.

 

I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1), Motivational Interviewing for Substance Abuse, Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting, and Safety Planning.

 

In addition to my clinical training, I have had the privilege of working as a substitute teacher throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District. With my combined passion for educational justice and mental health, I have come to recognize the critical importance of a comprehensive approach to education—one that bridges the gap between traditional educational practices and trauma-informed mental health support. I believe that promoting the academic success of children calls for an equally dedicated focus on nurturing their psychological well-being.