Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Furuyama
Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! My name is Amy Furuyama. I am a Korean American licensed clinical social worker, and I provide psychotherapy for adults with intimacy and sexual issues. I enjoy helping people navigate sexual challenges so they can have better and fulfilling relationships. Another focus I have is working with adults children of emotionally immature parents. The majority of my clients identify as Asian American and/or BIPOC. My private practice is in Irvine, Orange County, and I see clients in person and virtually.
I knew early on in my life that I enjoyed helping others, and in some ways, it came naturally to me, being the eldest daughter of Korean immigrants. Growing up and having moved many times in my life, I often felt very uprooted, which fueled a sense of loneliness. Also, I experienced some traumas that made me parentified from a young age. Because of the pain I experienced growing up, I felt very attuned to the pain of others, and it made sense that I went into a helping profession. After I got my Masters of Social Welfare degree from UCLA, I worked in public child welfare for 5 years and then worked as a clinical social worker in Orange County Jail for nearly 8 years. In 2021, I wanted more flexibility and balance in my life, so I left my county job and started my private practice.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe it is super important to be in your own therapy as a therapist. That means I have been in my own therapy on and off since my early 20s in my healing journey. I am so thankful for the therapists that have worked with me and helped me navigate my own traumas and shame.
Also owning my own private practice has its ups and downs just because I do not have any business background. There definitely have been growing pains as I navigate learning the financial part of running your own business. However, I would not trade this for anything- I love having my own business and its flexibility, which allows me to have time and be present for my child and family.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When you start a private practice, it is often recommended to find a niche or a specialty that you really align with. I had clients struggling with sexual issues and sexual shame, and in many ways, their struggles reminded me of my own story of growing up with a lot of sexual shame, being raised in an Asian immigrant home, and being raised in a religious community. Last year, I decided to pursue training in sex therapy to be better equipped to help people with sexual issues and embrace their sexuality in an emboldened way. I’ve loved every minute of learning more about sexual issues so I can better help my clients.
I am proud to be a Korean American therapist to specialize in sex therapy and relationships. Talking about sex is such a taboo, especially in our culture, and I feel like I am breaking barriers by freely talking about it and providing space for people to talk about it. There is a high need for culturally competent sex therapists, and I hope more Asian American therapists enter in this niche.
While being a therapist is a proud identity of mine, I also like nurturing other parts of myself. Something many may not know about me is that I am a little bit of a hip-hop and R&B nerd. I like keeping up to date with pop culture, and good poetry moves me to tears. I also consider myself a creative, and this allows me to not feel so stuffy with just my therapist role but be more well-rounded as a person. One of my life goals is to publish a book of poetry.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Humans are designed to live in connection and in community, so Covid was a tough time because there was a lot of isolation. It made sense that telehealth became so popular, and the accessibility was needed to help people navigate their mental health during that time. It still is so helpful to get mental health services in an accessible way. I am happy to be able to provide both in-person and telehealth therapy.
Pricing:
- $225 for 50 min session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amyfuruyama.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapywithamy
Image Credits
Steve Cowell
