Yuuka Vonil

Meet Yuuka

Do you feel disconnected or overwhelmed by the world around you? For BIPOC and Queer individuals, systemic racism, homophobia, and discrimination can create a deep sense of isolation and a feeling that your identity is under constant scrutiny. Finding a therapist who truly understands these pressures can feel even more challenging. You deserve to be seen, to feel valued, and to find a place of belonging.

I’m Yuuka, and my work is dedicated to helping BIPOC, queer, and neurodivergent folks heal and nurture their sense of self. I believe that trauma often manifests as grief, and the journey toward healing begins with identifying that grief and giving it space to be.

Therapy with Me

Therapy shouldn’t feel like another place where you have to perform. My practice is a space where you can show up exactly as you are, free from the systemic pressures and discriminatory beliefs that you may face elsewhere. Here, you are safe.

I use mindfulness-based approaches that focus on your present thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. By incorporating exercises like meditation, breathing, and guided imagery, we can calm the nervous system, which often contributes to anxiety and dysregulation. This process allows your body and mind to relax, paving the way for deeper healing. Together, we’ll discover your inner strength and embark on this journey toward wholeness.

About Me

I am a queer, non-binary, and autistic second-generation immigrant, with roots in Indigenous Ryukyuan and Black communities. Born and raised on Okinawa’s sacred land in the Ryukyu Islands, my background deeply informs my work. I hold a BA in Clinical Psychology from The Ohio State University and am currently completing my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities and have been a passionate advocate for inclusive and gender-affirming healthcare.

As a counselor, my work is guided by the love and wisdom of my ancestral spirits. I incorporate holistic, somatic, and anti-oppressive models into my practice, with a focus on cultural identity and community as foundational pillars for well-being. My research also explores the integration of Shinto and Buddhist mindfulness-based care with end-of-life doula deathwork, honoring the full human life cycle.

In my advocacy work, I am a proud member of the Queer Faculty Staff & Allies (QFSA), the Asian and Pacific Islander American Faculty & Staff Association (APIAFSA), and the Disability Staff and Faculty Association (DFSA) at the University of Washington. I also worked with the VA Puget Sound Hospital to help implement LGBTQIA+ awareness guidelines, ensuring safer and more respectful care for U.S. veterans.