Makoto Wakamori

I know what it's like to struggled with insecurity, shyness, fear of rejection, and feeling “sense of not good enough.” As a young man the pain led me to heavy drinking to cope with life. Never imagined that the pain would one day turn into my hidden treasure and legacy!

I was inspired by psychologists like Albert Ellis, who transformed his own fears into tools that helped others heal. Today, I see many of our deepest struggles not as proof of failure, but as places where growth, meaning, compassion, and strength can emerge.

My counseling style blends CBT, meaning-centered therapy. I especially enjoy helping people struggling with insecurity, rejection, anxiety, shame, self-esteem, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the weight of not feeling “enough.”

For clients who request it, I also offer Christ-centered counseling. I currently work full-time supporting young adults and dedicate Saturdays to my private practice sessions. I am currently accepting counseling appointments on Saturdays. All appointments are scheduled through the Headway platform—please feel free call me directly at 623-695-7663, and I’ll be glad to guide you through the process.

I blend evidence-based tools with meaning-centered care inspired by Viktor Frankl who also discovered meaning through his suffering. While we may not remove all the pain & storms of life, but we can strive to rise above them as eagles. No pressure—no diamond. Looking back, I would have never chosen many of the painful experiences in my life, yet I can also see how they helped shape the person I am today.

Together, we work toward nurturing self-love & self-compassion as the first step for healing to begin!

I listen deeply and walk beside you as we explore meaning in your struggles. Together, we uncover your strengths at your own pace.

Note: I don’t take court-mandated or legal cases to focus fully on therapeutic care.