I am a contextual behavioral scientist. My Research program in Aki's lab (Hawai‘i Contextual Behavioral Science Lab) has three strategic foci, which all serve my primary aim of evaluating and refining the psychological flexibility model, a contextual behavioral science (CBS) account of human conditions and behavior change. First, my research examines the applicability of psychological flexibility model to topographically diverse and relatively understudied problem areas, such as self-concealment, stigma, and disordered eating concerns. Second, I am extending the psychological flexibility model to underrepresented populations (racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S.) and to the issues of cultural sensitivity/humility. Finally, for the past 10 years, I have focused on the synthesis of wisdom across different disciplines, more specifically, the assimilation/integration of empirical clinical psychology, eastern perspectives (Zen Buddhism), and multiculturalism in the area of behavioral health. Clinically, I have exceptional training in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral interventions, especially Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My clinical experiences are broad with diverse clinical populations in a wide range of clinical settings, including university counseling center, outpatient clinic, residential home, and community mental health hospitals. Recently, I have been actively involved in therapist training, supervision, and consultation. Visit Akihiko Masuda's faculty page and google scholar page for updated information on my research.
(This webpage was updated on November 8, 2022)