About Me

Meet Brandon

Helping you rebuild connection with those who matter most to you

Whether you’re someone who feels constantly anxious or stressed, a BIPOC couple that’s struggling to communicate, an Asian man looking to improve his emotional and relationship health, or a burned-out healthcare professional needing to invest in your wellbeing …

You belong here.

I want to come alongside you where you are and help you feel relief and connection to those who matter most to you.

Hi, I’m Brandon, and I can help!

I am a therapist who specializes in guiding you through the stuck places and patterns of your relationships.

I bring a safe, practical, and transparent approach to therapy. I’m especially skilled at walking between worlds, and I don’t run away from the painful and lonely places of life and relationships.

I love working with people who are open to change and curious about the experiences of others — they’re the ones who I see make the most progress in working with me.

 I work well with clients who…

  • Are open and motivated to build a meaningful life and connected relationships

  • Feel ready to explore their past experiences, present patterns, and future paths

  • Desire greater healing and wholeness in their self and relationships

  • Are willing to invest in their personal growth and the people who matter to them

 What’s it like to work with me?

  • I’m excited to learn about you! I’ll bring the curiosity and you bring the stories. I want to know all about the people, places, and pursuits that are important to you.

  • We’ll figure out where things in your life are working, misaligned, or stuck and clarify what would feel most impactful to work on.

  • We’ll work towards relief from the pain you’ve been carrying through meaningful but achievable change. You’ll feel lighter and less alone in the darkness.

  • We’ll plunge into the deeper waters of your experience to discover connections and needs you may not be aware of. It might feel a little uncomfortable at times but you won’t have to do it alone.

  • We’ll look back on our journey and all you’ve accomplished. You’ll integrate the tools and insight we’ve developed together and celebrate your new life.

 

 My Guiding Principles

Curiosity

Curiosity is a desire to learn and understand. It involves asking questions, exploring new ideas, and staying open to different perspectives. Practicing curiosity fosters growth, connection, and deeper understanding in relationships.

Honesty

Honest is being truthful and sincere. It's about expressing yourself and communicating in a way that reflects your true beliefs, thoughts, and feelings. Practicing honesty fosters trust, respect, and authenticity in relationships.

Vulnerability

Vulnerability means being authentic and transparent, despite possibly facing criticism or judgment. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable can create deeper emotional bonds and foster empathy and understanding.

My Identity

As a Japanese-Taiwanese, American, cisgender, bisexual, able-bodied man and therapist, I experience privilege in some facets of my life and not in others. I recognize the privileges afforded me by aspects of my identity and the societal structures that may influence my perspective. While these privileges shape my understanding of the world, I also acknowledge the limitations of my lived experience in fully grasping the complex challenges faced by people from marginalized communities.

While I may share experiences and identities with you, I strive to keep a lens of cultural humility where I seek to understand your unique experiences even within our similarities. I actively pursue ongoing education, continually challenge my biases, and seek feedback on my processes to be a better ally and advocate.

I endeavor to create a therapeutic environment where all people feel seen, heard, and respected. I welcome clients of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds, and I am committed to meeting you wherever you are, with openness and curiosity. We will work towards your healing in ways that honor your identities and what’s important to you. 

Training and Education

  • Master of Science ,Marriage and Family Therapy

    Seattle Pacific University

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy

    Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana

  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) Certification

    Emotionally Focused Therapy Supervisor-in-Training

    Medical Family Therapy Certificate

  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

    International Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy

    Community of Asian Therapists in Chicagoland

What does Hazakura mean?

In Japanese culture, hazakura, or the scattering of cherry blossom petals, represents the fleeting and transient nature of life and beauty. The falling petals and the green leaves that emerge symbolize impermanence, renewal, and the cycle of life and remind us to appreciate the present and embrace change.

The beginning of a relationship is beautiful yet rosy and untested. We feel grief as the petals fall away from our relationship, but in its place grow verdant leaves that have a beauty and strength of their own. We need the leaves to restore nutrients and grow.

Let’s restore connection to those who matter most to you.