Hey, I’m Yasu

Welcome to A Step Forward Therapy! I am so happy that you are here and hope that I can help you find what you need to take a step toward creating the fulfilling and balanced life you have always dreamed of and deserve.

My name is Yasu Wade and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist and a Certified School Social Worker.  For over a decade, I have dedicated my career to helping adolescents, young adults, and families learn strategies to help them cope with stress, communicate effectively, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others.

After receiving my undergraduate degree with a Major in Psychology and Minor in Education from Clark University, I completed my graduate degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University. I have clinical experience working in a variety of settings including schools, in-home programs, psychiatric hospitals and residential programs.

I am excited to get to know you and help you uncover and utilize your strengths to help you take a step closer to your goals!  I truly believe that everyone has the potential for change and the ability to create a joyful life.  Sometimes happiness doesn’t come naturally, and it can feel very effortful to create our own happiness.  Whether addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or learning interpersonal and social skills to help you establish healthy and meaningful relationships, I am here to guide you on your journey!


Cognitive Behavior Therapy- CBT focuses on identifying and modifying dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors. CBT helps you recognize how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. It focuses on enhancing self-awareness and adjusting your perspective to address challenges directly rather than avoiding them.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy- DBT incorporates mindfulness and acceptance strategies alongside traditional cognitive and behavioral techniques. It emphasizes balancing acceptance with change and is effective in reducing self-harming behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing interpersonal relationships. Evidence supports DBT’s efficacy in managing complex emotional disorders and improving overall functioning.

Motivational Interviewing- MI is a person-centered, directive approach aimed at enhancing an individual's motivation to change.

Certified UCLA PEERS for Adolescents & Tele-Health Instructor- PEERS is the ONLY publicly available evidenced-based social skills program for autistic adolescents and adults, youth with ADHD, anxiety, depression and other social emotional challenges.

Based on you and/or your child’s concerns, I tailor treatment using various methods suited to your unique needs. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and relational, considering individual identities and relationships. I focus on helping you both apply practical skills in daily life, such as emotion management, effective communication, gratitude, recognizing positives, and handling conflict constructively. I utilize the following treatment methods in my practice.


Please reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good therapuetic match for your needs. It's important that you feel comfortable, as a strong therapeutic relationship is key to successful outcomes. To book your consultation, call me at 203-257-9334 or complete the form on the contact page.

If we decide to proceed, we'll arrange a 60-minute initial evaluation. During the initial evaluation, I will meet with you and/or your child to get to know you and your therapeutic needs.  I will collect relevant information to gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation and, together, we will develop treatment goals and attainable action steps to help you reach your goals.

Prior to the initial evaluation, I will send you relevant rating scales to assess for anxiety, depression, and PTSD, as well as a relationship satisfaction questionnaire.  These should be returned 48 hours prior to our initial meeting to provide me with time to thoroughly review your responses.  These assessments are helpful in determining appropriate and meaningful treatment goals and determining the frequency of therapy sessions.  Weekly therapy is usually advised, but the frequency can be modified depending on what is needed.

Individual Therapy

SheLeads Middle School Girls Group (ages 11-14): 8 weeks - Registration is closed

Mondays from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Dates: 10/21/24, 10/28/24, 11/4/24, 11/11/24, 11/18/24, 11/25/24, 12/2/24, 12/9/24

SheLeads is a nurturing and supportive therapeutic group designed specifically for young girls seeking to build self-confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth. Our group provides a safe and encouraging space where girls can explore their identities, navigate challenges, and develop essential life skills.

Objectives:

  1. Self-Discovery and Empowerment: Engage in activities and discussions that foster a deeper understanding of personal strengths, values, and goals. Empower girls to embrace their unique qualities and recognize their potential.

  2. Emotional Well-being: Learn techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. Through guided exercises and mindfulness practices, girls will gain tools to enhance emotional regulation and mental wellness.

  3. Positive Relationships: Develop effective communication skills and build healthy, supportive relationships with peers. The group emphasizes the importance of empathy, respect, and constructive conflict resolution.

  4. Goal Setting and Achievement: Set and work towards personal goals with encouragement and accountability. Celebrate achievements and progress, no matter how small, to build motivation and self-esteem.

  5. Creative Expression: Utilize creative outlets such as art, journaling, and group discussions to express thoughts and feelings. These activities help to unlock creativity and provide a therapeutic means of self-expression.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Group for Adolescents: TBD

These groups are designed to help individuals manage emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop coping skills. Participants will learn and practice skills in four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The sessions will include both teaching and interactive components, where group members share experiences and support each other.

Understanding Your Child’s IEP & Section 504 Plans Workshop: TBD

As a certified school social worker for over a decade, I am passionate about helping parents understand their whole child, their strengths and challenges, and how to advocate for their needs within the education system.  The parent workshops will offer parents a flash course in understanding their child’s Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and Section 504 Plans.  My goal is to educate parents so that they understand the types of regular education and special education services and accommodations that are available within their child’s school and how to advocate for these related support services.  I want to help you to feel confident and comfortable when you walk into a Planning and Placement Meeting (PPT) or Section 504 Meeting.

If you are interested in joining any of the groups and/or parent workshops as described above, please complete the form on the contact page and indicate your interest in the message box. I will contact you once the groups/workshops become available.

Payment is due at the time of service. I offer a complimentary 15 minute consultation for new clients.

Insurance: I do not participate nor am I in-network with any insurance companies.  This means that the client is responsible for payment at the time of service.  However, I am a licensed “out-of-network provider” with most insurance companies.  You can contact your insurance company to find out if you can be reimbursed for therapeutic services.  Upon request, I can provide you with a monthly invoice to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Connecticut License #14311
Payments accepted: Credit Card or Zelle payment

Office Location

500 Post Road East

2nd floor

Westport, CT 06880

I am currently offering both in-person sessions at my Westport office and TeleHealth.  If you are interested in working with me, please schedule a consultation to see if we are a good therapeutic fit.  I can answer any questions you might have during your complimentary consultation call.

Groups/Workshops are offered in-person at my Westport office location

(203) 257-9334

ywade@astepforwardtherapy.com

If you or your family member requires urgent mental health care, is suicidal, and/or a danger to yourself or others, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department immediately.  This form is not to be used for urgent matters and sending a message does not constitute establishing care with this practice.

FAQ

  • I am currently offering TeleHealth sessions during the week and have limited availability for in-person sessions on the weekends.  

    My office is located at:

    500 Post Road East- 2nd Fl

    Westport, CT 06880

  • I currently do not participate nor am I "in-network" with any insurance companies. This means that the client is responsible for payment at the time of service. However, I am a licensed "out-of-network provider" with most insurance companies. You can contact your insurance company to find out if you can be reimbursed for therapeutic services.

  • If you are interested in attending any of the groups or workshops described, please complete the contact form to let me know you're interested in attending. I will be in contact once there are enough clients interested to form a group or workshop.

    Groups will be offered in-person when available.