Kaia Tanigawa, MA, LMFT, CYT (they/them)

Kaia brings a holistic, systemic perspective, viewing individual challenges within the context of relational, cultural, and environmental systems. They bring a warm, compassionate, and collaborative approach to therapy and prioritize offering a safe and accepting space for all. Kaia strives to be LGBTQ2IA+ affirming, body positive, sex positive, anti-racist, and culturally sensitive and they are committed to continuous learning and accountability.

Kaia’s clinical interests include couples therapy, relational issues, identity development, stress-related issues, life transitions/adjustment, grief and loss, healing from childhood wounds, anxiety, and depression. Kaia has clinical experience in working with interracial/multicultural couples and families, blended families, polyamorous and CNM/ENM relationships, identity exploration, LGBTQ2IA+ individuals and couples, and couples and families across the lifespan.

As a multiracial individual, and a Queer-identifying and genderfluid person, Kaia has personal experience with prejudice and discrimination as well as the growth-journey of living authentically in marginalized identities. They are also active in investigating their biases and their privilege, and know that they will always be learning to be a better ally. Kaia is a certified yoga instructor and appreciates the benefits that mindful movement, meditation, and intentional breathwork can bring to mental and physical health.

Prior to entering the mental health field, Kaia worked in the human services field as a childcare-giver, academic tutor/mentor, group home counselor, and volunteer coordinator. Kaia received their bachelor’s degree from Loyola University in New Orleans in 2013 and their master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2023.

Advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Brainspotting Phase 1 (a trauma treatment modality)
Neuroscience and Yoga in the Treatment of Complex Trauma
Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Level 1

In their free time, Kaia enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, reading, rock climbing, traveling, taking long walks and hanging out at home with their partner and two dogs.