Kei Ishimaru, LPC

Therapist
He/him/his

Coming from a multicultural background as a second generation Japanese immigrant, Kei understands how individual identities shape our experiences. Kei is skilled at helping clients navigate the challenges of cultural/racial identity, anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship/family conflict, grief, stress, life transitions, and more. Kei is especially experienced in working with students, young adults, parents, athletes, and corporate professionals. Kei offers compassionate, personalized support for anyone looking to overcome obstacles and move forward with confidence.

Kei’s counseling approach is rooted in trauma-informed and healing-centered practices, always prioritizing the client’s unique experiences and needs. Kei takes a culturally sensitive and trauma focused approach in his practice, working with clients to help them embrace all aspects of who they are. He utilizes a wide range of clinical approaches including CBT, solution-focused, humanitarian, strength-based, DBT, ACT, etc.

Kei’s professional background, particularly as a school counselor with Chicago Public Schools, has greatly shaped the way they approach therapy. In that role, Kei saw firsthand how trauma, stress, and personal struggles can affect both performance and overall well-being. Working closely with educators, students, and families has given Kei a deep understanding of the challenges within educational environments, and they work hard to help clients manage these pressures.

Beyond education, Kei’s time as a corporate EAP agent has offered valuable insight into the stresses of the business world. This blend of experiences allows Kei to offer a holistic perspective, guiding clients to find ways to heal, grow, and thrive in both personal and professional aspects of life.

As a former Division I athlete, Kei also brings a personal understanding of resilience, discipline, and managing pressure. These experiences inform Kei’s counseling, helping clients develop strategies to handle stress, build confidence, and tackle novel challenges. Kei’s goal is to equip clients with the tools they need to navigate life’s ups and downs while supporting them in their journey toward personal growth.