Emi Ruiz, Operations Manager
Emi plays a vital role at LivingInsights, overseeing our day-to-day administrative operations with care and precision. Emi manages business development, personnel, client relations, accounts receivables, strategic communications, marketing, and a wide range of administrative tasks that keep our our operations running smoothly.
Dr. Tia Buchanan, Clinical Director
Dr. Tia D. Buchanan, CCMHC, LPC-S, NCC is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and military-community specialist with 16+ years of experience supporting teens, families, and service members.
Dr. Buchanan provides trauma-informed therapy, crisis support, and real-life tools to help clients navigate stress, transitions, identity, and resilience, serving military families across Japan. She blends evidence-based care (EMDR, play therapy, and family systems) with a warm, down-to-earth approach that teens connect with and parents trust. Dr. Buchanan has supported 500+ youth through embedded school-based programs and brings 40,000+ clinical hours of experience into every session.
Whether you’re facing anxiety, conflict, adjustment challenges, or just need a safe place to talk – Dr. Buchanan meets you where you are and helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Dr. Buchanan is also a published author and illustrator, known for transforming complex neurobiological concepts into accessible, emotionally resonant stories. Her creative works – including Miss Amy G. Dala, Mr. HIppo Campus, the My Heart My Broken Heart series, and multiple trauma-informed journals – use symbolic storytelling and mixed-media adaptations of Lewis Carroll’s 1865 illustrations to illuminate the lived experience of trauma. Click here to read all of Dr. Buchanan’s book titles.
Esther Dacanay, Associate Counselor
Esther holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from San Diego State University, a master’s in School Counseling from Azusa Pacific University, coach certifications in career, executive, life transformation, and neuroscience, and a second master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, with core coursework completion in Marriage & Family Therapy.
Esther’s vast career experience includes work in media/public affairs in both private and government sectors and corporate communications coaching for c-suite executives. She is also a seasoned school counselor with experience in public, private, and Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) schools.
Esther holds certifications in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer), Prime for Life (substance abuse awareness & prevention), Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Symbis Relationship Facilitator, Gottman Level One Relationship Counselor, and is a member of the American Counseling Association. Her current and valid state licensure includes a PPS (Pupil Personnel Services) for School Counseling, QMHP-A (Qualified Mental Health Professional – Associate), and is currently in the registration process for an APCC (Associate Professional Clinical Counselor) certification. She plans to serve as a Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC) at some point in her counseling career. Some of her counseling modalities include Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Esther currently resides in Japan with her husband of 20+ years, their teen daughter, and two Norwegian Forest Cats.
While under clinical supervision, Esther is currently taking a limited number of English-speaking clients living in Japan who are in need of Executive-Employee-Student Assistance Counseling (EE-SAC), or non-medical counseling services for the international community in Japan including working professionals, c-suite executives, college students, couples, families, stay-at-home spouses, children, adolescents, diplomats, military personnel, the federal civilian workforce, and retirees.
To help us determine whether your needs are within our capability and scope of practice, please click here to complete our confidential, HIPPA-compliant, secured screening form.