Ami Koide(She/Her)

CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #136634

Florida Telehealth Registration #TPMF1247

Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists #T2504

what is your role at Gather and Grow Oc?

I have the privilege to be part of the Gather and Grow team as an Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). I see clients and will soon be facilitating a support space for AAPI LGBTQIA community.

school and training history

I achieved my BA in Psychology at California State University of Long Beach and my MA in Couples Family Therapy at Alliant International University. I completed my traineeship and stayed on to work at the LGBT Center OC in Santa Ana. I’m currently in the process of becoming certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

individual focus

I love working with all kinds of people from diverse backgrounds and different varying communities. It's fascinating listening to people's narratives of their story and their experiences. I love to hear where they want to go from there and to see what I can do to help them on their way!

what excites you about being part of the gather and grow oc community?

The moment I became part of the Gather and Grow OC Community I knew it felt different from other therapy spaces. Group practice is a perfect fit for me because I like to feel a sense and support and community in my own work space which is what Gather and Grow OC warmly provides. Not only do I have a comfortable space to work, I have the opportunity to create a community space for marginalized communities to meet and feel support as well! I'm very excited to see what the future holds for me here!

currently scheduling clients on Monday, Tuesday, and wednesday afternoons!

POSTS FROM AMI…

A Letter from Ami

 Hi, I’m Ami! I work at Gather & Grow as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My adventure into therapy started as a pre-teen when I realized I wanted to help make a positive difference in the lives of others. I’ve always felt mental health is something extremely important that we need to nurture and maintain!

 I started my education and training for therapy at Alliant International University and I served at the LGBT Center OC as a trainee. I continued to volunteer at The LGBT Center OC for two years after completing my degree because of how much I loved working with the diverse population that was supported there. I have learned so much from educating myself on how to better serve this community and continue to do advocacy in the spaces where I occupy the title of ally versus member. As someone who identifies as an LGBTQ+ woman of color, I believe it’s important to be open and empathetic to the struggles and challenges of those with different life experiences.

Moving forward I want to gain more training in art therapy and DBT to support clients with trauma. I think being creative and artistic can help us express ourselves when we are having a  hard time articulating our challenges. I’m a strong believer in self-care and mindfulness and I encourage myself and my clients to practice both. I’m so excited to work with new clients here at Gather and Grow OC and support them on their journey!

Sincerely,

Ami

You can contact Ami directly at (714) 519-6424 or ami@gatherandgrowoc.com. View other therapist profiles HERE.