Individual Counseling with Miki Darby, LCSW
Cocoro Counseling offers neurodiversity-affirming individual counseling and social communication skills training + performance enhancement support for youths and young adults aged 12 and older.
Neurodiversity by itself is not a flaw that needs to be fixed, and we thrive to foster the individual persons’ distinctive sets of strengths.
At the same time, this form of human diversity can be disabling, to some a great degree, especially when social communication challenges are experienced.
It is my belief that confidence in social communication skills are an important factor for people living well in this world, leading to balanced self-esteem, mood, cognition, relationships, and overall sense of well-being.
As a certified provider of UCLA PEERS® for Adolescents program, I provide skills training sessions at an individualized pace as needed, while working with the client on their problems and goals.
All gender-variant individuals are welcome.
Services are provided in person in an office located in Lake Oswego, Oregon, right by Portland. Virtual appointments are also available for residents in Oregon.
About the Practice
Services
Individual Counseling
In a comfortable, private one-on-one setting, many different important issues are explored, including expression of thoughts and emotions, behavior patterns, conflict resolution, and problem solving. This is a joint process between client and counselor.
Social Communication Skills Training
Utilizing the UCLA PEERS® for Adolescents curriculum, social communication skills training is provided at an individualized pace.
It equips individuals with the tools needed to cope with the problems more appropriately and effectively. Counseling can be an addition to your support network, to help gain better understanding of self, learn how to handle emotions, identify the underlying causes of the symptoms, improve symptoms management & relationship management skills, and develop some coping strategies.
What Does Counseling Do?
What is Neurodiversity Affirming Care?
Neurodivergence
The term “neurodivergent” refers to individuals whose brain differences affect how their brain functions. These differences can result in unique strengths and challenges compared to individuals whose brains function more typically. Neurodivergence is not a medical term; rather, it is a way to describe people without using terms like “normal” or “abnormal.” This distinction is important because there is no universal definition of what is “normal” for how the human brain works. Conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other learning disorders are common examples of neurodivergence.
Affirming
“Affirming” involves encouraging individuals to view their neurodivergence as a positive and valuable aspect of their identity. In my counseling practice, I apply an affirming lens when working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of color, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and in various other contexts. This approach emphasizes recognizing and embracing aspects of a person’s identity while maintaining awareness of these elements throughout the therapeutic process.
Counseling is a collaborative partnership between the client and the counselor. Professional counselors assist clients in identifying goals and finding potential solutions to challenges that cause emotional distress. They work to enhance communication and coping skills, build self-esteem, foster behavior change, and support optimal mental health and well-being.
For more information on Neurodivergence, here is a great article from Very Well Mind: What Does It Mean to be Neurodivergent?
Human Neurodiversity Should Be Celebrated, Not Treated as a Disorder | Op-Ed | NowThis
Devon MacEachron, PhD; Psychologist
My Expertise
Social communication skills development
Stress Management
Depression
Anxiety
Self Esteem
Identity
Cultural Adjustment
About Me
My name is Miki Darby, and I am an experienced counselor who has worked in healthcare, mental health, and education for over 20 years. Autism has always been an interest of mine: a frequent graduate research topic and ongoing training. I have always gravitated to work with those, who are now called, neurodivergent. It was not until much later in my practice that I realized that I myself was one.
I take compassionate, person centered, and strength based approaches. I believe that a good, trusting relationship with a provider is essential for clients to connect with and get the most out of the treatment sessions.
I have a multicultural background, born and raised in Japan, with additional time spent in the U.S. during childhood and much of adulthood. I am fluent in both English and Japanese and have firsthand experience navigating the complexities of cultural adjustment. Currently, I work as a high school counselor, where I support students in the school’s dormitory program, many of whom come from abroad.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Waseda University in Tokyo and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University in New York. My professional experience spans various settings, including schools, medical hospitals, and clinics. I have provided comprehensive services to clients across all age groups, including adult mental health and substance use assessment and treatment, as well as child and adolescent mental health evaluation and care.
During my free time, I like to listen to music, sew, craft, learn, organize, and take nature walks
with my family. I am married with two daughters, and live with a dog & a cat.
Qualification & Certifications:
*Oregon State Licensed Clinical Social Worker
*UCLA PEERS® for Adolescents
*ADHD-CCSP (ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider)
*ASDCS (Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist)
早稲田大学卒
コロンビア大学ソーシャルワーク大学院卒
日本語、日本語／英語バイリンガルのカウンリングの提供もしています。
Procedures
Here are the steps for what to do/expect:
1. Contact me for availability.
2. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.
3. Complete your/your child’s intake paperwork online.
4. Schedule the initial assessment session (1 hour)
5. Schedule follow up sessions (45-60 minutes). Assessments are continued on an ongoing basis to ensure that I am ethically equipped to provide the continued care.
I’m currently not taking insurance. Receipts of Services (Superbills) are provided upon request for you to submit to your insurance for potential out of network benefits. In process of credentialing with Aetna, Moda, and Pacific Source insurances.
· Initial Assessment, $250
· Individual Counseling, $200
Please note, appointments that are canceled with less than 48 hours‘ notice are charged as follows: $150 for initial assessment and $100 for follow up sessions.
PAyment
Contact FORM
Office is located in Lake Oswego, by the Oswego Towne Square shopping mall
