Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2012
Dr. Ryuko Ishikawa is among only a handful of US and Japan-licensed private practitioners working in Tokyo. Her professional training, independent research, and clinical experience in both countries provide her with in-depth understanding and a unique perspective on contemporary psychiatric issues. In her Tokyo practice, she works with expats from all walks of life and utilizes the Family Systems Theory developed by noted family psychiatrist Dr. Murray Bowen.
What are some of the predominant reasons expats come to see you?
They usually want to talk about their family and individual issues. I specialize in family psychotherapy, which deals with the natural human emotional intensity that occurs in families. Whereas Japanese psychiatrists tend to prescribe lots of drugs and see people for only 5-15 minutes, I spend at least one hour per session, to fully learn about the family background. I help people make changes in their thinking that alters their emotional attitudes and thus improves their relationships with others. They become calmer, less intense, and less reactive to others. Some, though, are very reluctant to change.
What is some everyday advice you can offer to help with the day-to-day stress of living in a different culture?
Think about where you are at in life, about who you are, and stop reacting to others. Pause and take deep breaths occasionally or meditate. Learn to be calm.
Many of our readers have fallen in love with more than just the country. Do international relationships take extra work?
Marriage is a fusion with your partner. If there are cultural differences, there might be some communication difficulties. If you have enough courage and curiosity to learn your partner’s culture, you can become a multicultural couple, meaning your children will be multicultural, too. There is no “perfect” family. Work on yourself and don’t focus on others’ problems.
How else can your practice help Tokyo expats? Are visits covered by medical insurance?
There are very few psychiatrists familiar with foreign cultures who speak English well and are licensed in both the US and Japan. I lived and practiced in the US for 20 years and experienced the same issues there that foreigners experience living here in Japan. My sessions last one hour and are covered by foreign medical insurance companies (but not by national health insurance).
Zendo Health Consultation. Tel: 080-5199-9271.
