Akira Kobayashi

Contact Information:
Phone: 503 827 0272
Email: AkiraKby@aol.com

I feel that I follow the mysterious stream or force to live my life. So far, I think that developing my inner strength and intercultural competency is one of the most important goals of my personal development. I came to the United States in 1997. In the States, I found that I carried the Japanese culture inside of me. I had known this before, but with less clarity when I was in Japan. I think that I have a tendency to be group-oriented, and I often behave in a group-oriented way without thinking, even though I am a rather individualized person in Japan. I am sensitive to the atmosphere of the group that I am in. I feel the balance or harmony of the group and decide how to behave. It happens almost unconsciously. On the other hand, I have an individual self too. I want to set my boundaries clearly and say what I want. I became more of an individual in the United States. However, sometimes, I feel ambivalent and am struggling between Japanese culture and American culture. This struggle exists outside of me and inside of me. I hope to be able to use my Japanese culture and American culture more consciously. If I can express my opinions more clearly, I can deepen my thoughts and deepen my relationships with other people. If I can develop my power to sense the subtleties in interactions, I can become aware of what is happening in many circumstances. I think that developing inner strength and intercultural competency is one of the most important things for many people in the world too. I believe my experience of learning psychology in the United States can contribute to the people who are living in multicultural situations in the world. I want to work in the area of intercultural communication as an effective cultural bridge. Currently, I am a student of the School of Professional Psychology (Doctoral program) of the Union Institute & University. I have sessions with people in the site where I work as an intern.

GENERAL Years in Practice: Five years (as my internship for masters degree and doctoral degree) Avg Cost (per session): Stipulated charges of my internship site ($ 0 - 80) Sliding Scale: According to rule of my internship site Accepts Insurance: According to rule of my internship site EDUCATION I obtained a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Human Development and Education in Japan in 1997 and graduated from the Master of Arts in Process Work program in 2002. I also obtained a diploma in Process Work in 2003. Currently, I am a student of the School of Professional Psychology (Doctoral program) of the Union Institute & University. LICENSE - AFFILIATIONS The School of Professional Psychology (Doctoral program) of the Union Institute & University

SPECIALTIES Personal Growth and Creativity Relationship work/ couples counseling Group work Intercultural communication for Asian people FACILITATION Minority issues in the United States HIV/AIDS issues RESEARCH (PW International) Intercultural communication for Asian people The Assessment of effects of group process method of Process Work Sentient movement and Noguchi Exercise (a physical exercise)