About

Hi, I'm Taeko Bufford, LCSW

I’d like to acknowledge you for taking the first step in exploring options for addressing your mental health needs during these challenging times. Therapy is a journey and I am here to walk you through this process. I specialize in working with individuals and couples experiencing anxiety, attachment issues, relationship issues, generational trauma, grief, addiction, and racial trauma.

My goal as your therapist is to convey compassion, and understanding and meet you where you are. Throughout this journey I assist my clients in increasing awareness of themselves, setting healthy boundaries, and beginning the process of healing and growth.

I utilize CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based Therapy, Harm Reduction, and Solution-Focused Therapy in my treatment and consider each person’s unique context and cultural background with my interventions and treatment plans. I am licensed to practice in the state of California and I am currently welcoming new clients.

My Connection To Saukra

A fragile and delicate flower, the Cherry Blossom or Sakura is one of the most iconic symbols of Japan. It represents strength and overcoming adversities as the flower still blooms under the harshest conditions. It also lives in full bloom for only 2 days – a Japanese representation of how life should be – since nothing is truly permanent in this world, one should live each day to the fullest.

I chose to use Sakura as the name of my counseling service to pay homage to my late grandmother. My grandmother was born in Japan and moved to America after meeting my grandfather during WWII. She would often talk to me about her love of cherry blossoms (Sakura) and her wish to show the family one day. She received her wish when our family took a trip to Japan for the first time to meet her siblings and see the beauty of the flower itself. The Sakura tree represents beauty and strength, just like my late grandmother.