Meet Akemi Horii

Founder of Soul Awakening, LLC

I’ve always been deeply interested in people’s stories—what shapes them, how they find meaning, and how they navigate change. My own journey has taken me across cultures and disciplines, from studying anthropology, archaeology, ancient languages, and art history to living and working in places such as San Francisco, London, Oxford, and the Middle East. These experiences have shown me that no matter where we come from, we all share a common desire for connection, purpose, and inner peace.

Eventually, this curiosity and passion for understanding people led me to counseling. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure University, building my earlier academic studies in Biblical Hebrew and Greek at Graduate Theological Union and Islamic Art and Archaeology at the University of Oxford.

Today, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), providing psychotherapy and psychoeducation for adults through Soul Awakening, LLC.

My Therapeutic Approach

I provide individual therapy tailored to your unique needs, drawing from evidence-based approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

These modalities are often blended seamlessly—adapting to your mood, progress, and goals in each session—to foster healing, self-compassion, and lasting change. My style emphasizes warmth, cultural sensitivity, and empowerment, meeting you exactly where you are.

I draw from several evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

A trauma-focused therapy that helps process and release distressing memories from the past.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

A compassionate approach that helps heal wounded inner parts and strengthen your core sense of self.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

A goal-oriented approach that focuses on practical solutions and meaningful progress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A structured method that helps shift unhelpful thinking patterns and build healthier coping skills.

By integrating these approaches, therapy becomes a collaborative process designed to support healing, growth, and clarity in your life.

Elite Modality Training

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence- based therapy for processing trauma, anxiety, and depression by reducing the emotional charge of distressing memories. As an EMDRIA member trained by EMDRIA-approved consultants, I’ve completed extensive training—far beyond basic workshops—to deliver authentic, effective care. Currently pursuing EMDR Certification, I specialize in IFS-Informed EMDR, blending Internal Family Systems (IFS) with EMDR for deeper healing, helping clients access “parts” of self with compassion while reprocessing trauma efficiently.

IFS Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative, evidence-based approach that helps you connect with your inner “parts”—like protective exiles or inner critics —with deep compassion, fostering self-leadership and profound healing from trauma, anxiety, and depression. I’ve earned a spot in the highly selective IFS Institute Level 1 Training through their rigorous lottery system—a privilege few achieve after long waits—completing this comprehensive, in-depth program that equips me to guide clients safely and authentically. Unlike diluted short workshops flooding the market, this elite training from IFS Institute ensures I deliver the real IFS experience, blending seamlessly with modalities like EMDR for results that last.

From your perspective as a client, this means working with a therapist who truly understands IFS’s nuances, helping you unburden parts gently and efficiently without superficial techniques.

A Global Perspective

Sessions available in English and Japanese.

Originally from Japan, my life and career have taken me through diverse cultural and professional environments. Before becoming a counselor, I worked and studied across multiple fields including finance, technology, education, and nonprofit community services.

These experiences allow me to appreciate the complexity of identity, culture, and belonging. They also help me approach therapy with openness, curiosity, and respect for each client’s background and life story.

Outside the Therapy Room

When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy exploring self-care practices that nurture both body and mind. I also love spending time with my family and our dog while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of southwest Ohio.