OUR THERAPISTS PROFILES – English, German, French and Japanese Speaking Counselors in Tokyo
Dr. Nicolas Dermota
Nationally licensed Clinical Psychologist (Austrian Ministry of Health) and registered Psychotherapist (Japanese Federation for Psychotherapy, European Association for Psychotherapy) with extensive international experience across Austria, Japan, and Brazil. I have dedicated over eighteen years to providing specialized psychological services to Tokyo’s international expat community and local Japanese clients.
My approach is integrative, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy with a client-centered orientation. I frequently support clients with diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse issues. My practice also includes extensive experience in managing stress, anger issues, and intercultural communication and identity challenges.
At Refugium Tokyo I offer counseling and psychotherapy for individuals and couples in English, German, and Japanese. My expertise in intercultural dynamics and identity is a key focus.
European Association for Psychotherapy / JCP-Holder
Austrian Embassy Tokyo / Official Psychologist of Trust
German Embassy Tokyo / Recommended Psychologist
Experience & Training
2000 – Psychologist, University of Vienna, Austria
2002 – Clinical Psychologist, University of Vienna, Austria
2002 – Traffic Psychologist, Austrian Ministry for Transport, Austria
2014 – Psychotherapist, Japanese Federation for Psychotherapy (JFP), Japan
2022 – Doctorate in Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University, Austria
Professional Experience
2000 – 2005 – AAAV Psychological Institute, Vienna, Austria
2004, 2006 – Project for Street Kids, Favela da Maré, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2008 – 2018 – Hozumi Psychiatric Daycare Clinic, Japan
2008 – 2020 – Tokyo Counseling Services (TCS), Japan
2014 – 2020 – Ikebukuro Counseling Center (ICC), Japan
2020 – 2021 – Ichigaya Counseling Center (ICC), Japan
2014 – Present – Psychologist of Trust, Austrian Embassy, Tokyo, Japan
2019 – Present – Tokyo Central Counseling (TCC), Japan
Dr. Robert Leonhardt
Licensed Medical Doctor and Specialist in Internal Medicine with a certified Psychotherapy background, registered in Germany and Europe. My career spans extensive experience across major German institutions, including the Bundeswehr (German Military) and the German Pension Insurance (DRV), where I held roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as Medical Director. My psychotherapeutic training was conducted at the Bundeswehr Hospital in Berlin, with a concentration in psychotraumatology.
After relocating to Japan two years ago, I have been committed to supporting the expatriate community in navigating their personal and relational challenges. Common issues I address include anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and stress reactions. I provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families in English, German, and Japanese.
My psychotherapeutic approach is depth psychology-oriented, emphasizing the importance of understanding psychodynamic processes. I focus on helping clients resolve underlying subconscious issues in a safe therapeutic relationship, fostering an environment where change is both supported and sustainable. Leveraging my medical background, I adopt a holistic perspective that views body and mind as interconnected, aiming to support my clients comprehensively whenever possible.
Experience & Training
1986 – Medical Degree, Hamburg, Germany
1986 – 1993 – Specialist Training in Internal Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
1993 – 1994 – Specialist Training in Allergology, Davos, Switzerland
2009 – 2011 – Clinical Training in Psychotherapy, Academy for Psychotherapy Erfurt, General Hospital Lutter, and Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Department of Psychotraumatology
Professional Experience
1994 – 2014 – Doctor of Trust, German Pension Insurance (DRV), concluding as Medical Director
2009 – 2015 – Medical Officer, German Military, with deployments as a Flight Surgeon in Kosovo, Kenya, and Afghanistan
2013 – 2017 – Volunteer Medical Service for Homeless Populations, Berlin, Germany
2016 – 2020 – Emergency Physician, Panel Doctor Association (KV), Germany
2011 – 2022 – Psychotherapist in Private Practice, Germany
2023 – Relocation to Japan
Mrs. Junko Tomoe
Experienced Business Consultant, Executive Coach, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Throughout my career, I have worked across a variety of companies in the Human Resources sector, serving as a trainer and job counselor. As a business owner, I have spent over 20 years consulting individual clients and teams from the media industry, politics, healthcare, and the corporate world. My core focus has been to help high-level professionals identify their strengths and refine their presence in demanding professional environments.
This work has included authentic communication training and coaching around leadership presence and personal impact. Supporting clients through pivotal life transitions deepened my interest in mental health and ultimately led to my certification as a licensed mental health counselor.
In my practice, I follow an integrative therapeutic approach that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy. I regularly support individuals facing anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, chronic stress, and burnout. In addition to individual therapy, I work with both Japanese and international couples experiencing relationship challenges. Drawing on my background in business and executive coaching, I provide corporate support and mental health consulting for organizations at Refugium Tokyo.
Experience & Training
2003 - Certified Personnel Analyst (Cranfield University Japan Center Tokyo)
2007 - Certified Image Consultant (Association of Image Consultants, New York)
2012 - Self Assessor Certificate (Japan Quality Award Association)
2021 - Certified Mental Health counselor, Tokyo Japan
Professional Experience
2000-2004 HR division Pasona Softbank
2005-2007 Wella Japan salon division
2007-2009 Bristol Myers Squibb pharmaceuticals
2007- Present Grace Japon Inc. Coaching, Consulting
2021 – Present Mental Health Counselor in Private Practice
Mr. Kevin Berna, MSc.
Clinical Psychologist who has studied and worked across Luxembourg, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. I have experience providing counseling and psychotherapy for a broad range of mental health concerns within multicultural clinical settings.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, combining Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while drawing on psychodynamic and person-centered principles where appropriate. My clinical focus includes persistent and recurrent depression, behavioral addictions (such as gambling, gaming, and excessive media use), and supporting neurodivergent individuals, including people with ASD and ADHD. I also provide support for individuals experiencing difficulties related to anxiety, stress, and emotional dysregulation. I place great importance on building a strong therapeutic relationship and regularly reviewing progress together with my clients.
Before working as a psychotherapist in Tokyo, I gained experience in a variety of psychological and educational settings across Europe, including clinical work at Heidelberg University Hospital, as well as several years as an elementary school teacher in Luxembourg. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the diversity of people's lives and the privilege of accompanying clients as they discover and build on their own strengths and resources. At Refugium Tokyo, I provide counseling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families in English, German, French, and Luxembourgish.
Experience & Training
2016 - 2022 – M.Sc. Clinical & Developmental Psychology, Heidelberg University, Germany
2022–2023 – Global Exchange Program, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
2021 – Certified Autogenic Training Instructor, German Society for Relaxation Procedures
2017 – Certified Nutritionist, German Nutrition Society
Professional Experience
2024 – 2026 – Psychological Counsellor, Tokyo Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
2023 – 2024 – Scholar, York St John University, United Kingdom
2022 – Psychological Case Manager, Heidelberg University, Germany
2021 – 2022 – Department of Neurocognitive Psychology, Heidelberg University Hospital
2021 – Psychology Intern, Klinikum Stuttgart, Germany
2016 – 2024 – Elementary School Teacher, Ministry of Education, Luxembourg
TOKYO
REFUGIUM
Psychotherapy & Mental Health Consulting