
North Star Counseling
Our Experts

Counselor, Life Coach
Ariana Ikeda
I am primarily a DBT therapist, working with people of all ages, in all walks of life and situations. I also utilize IFS and positive psychology techniques in most of my work. I am LGBTQIA+ friendly and use my own tailored form of therapy to work with neurodivergent individuals in a way that feels empowering and honors unique ways of experiencing the world.
As a mother of 2, I keep my schedule flexible and extend that flexibility to all of my clients as well. I am American but came to Japan at age 15, so I have a deep understanding of both western and Japanese cultures and am fluent in both English and Japanese.
In addition to online therapy, I lead group DBT skills training in Tokyo every other Saturday in combination with another therapy center. I occasionally hold seminars for educating people on various aspects of mental health, and I coach parents, students, and executives in helping them discover the best version of themselves.
My goal as a therapist is to help everyone I can through this human experience, in a way that helps them thrive rather than just survive. Nothing is more fulfilling to me than seeing clients accomplish their goals, fall back in love with their lives, and come back to me saying, "Wow, therapy actually works!"

Counselor
Brianna Hamamoto
I am from the USA, a native speaker in English and conversational speaker of Japanese. I am currently located in Osaka where I am a proud mother to my child.
As part of my degree, I worked as a crisis counselor for a nonprofit organization. Helping individuals through some of their most challenging moments felt deeply fulfilling for me, leading me to pursue a career in mental health counseling. Outside of counseling, I am deeply involved in animal welfare and volunteer weekly at my local humane shelter.
I specialize in DBT, CBT, and couples therapy. My training in these modalities allows me to offer tailored support that
empowers clients to navigate their challenges, improve their relationships, and achieve meaningful growth. Inclusivity is at the heart of my practice. As an advocate for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, I am committed to honoring each client’s unique identity and experiences.
My goal is to ensure everyone feels heard, respected, and supported. Whether you’re seeking support for emotional challenges, relationship dynamics, or simply need someone to listen, I aim
to create a safe, judgment-free space where they can share freely without fear of stigma or regret.
Let's Work Together
If you're interested in collaborating or would like to join our team of counselors and coaches, please reach out via the email address or phone number below and we'll be happy to talk with you about what might be available!