Bridging Cultures, Healing Minds: How Kisstopher Musick Empowers Expats and Families in Japan 

Does having more good days than bad days sound like music to your ears? Well, let us introduce you to Kisstopher Musick, the founder of Adjustment Guidance, a private psychology practice providing counseling, therapy, career and executive development services since 2007. In 2007, Kisstopher moved to Japan with her family after considering several other countries. Japan felt like home to them, and the transition was surprisingly seamless. Having had a successful therapy practice in the U.S., she brought her passion for helping people to Japan, where she noticed a gap in available mental health services. Her mission to help others have “more good days than bad” has been central to her work with her clients based in Japan and overseas ever since. 

Kisstopher’s journey in Japan began with working with children suffering from hikikomori, a form of agoraphobia characterized by social withdrawal. She was passionate about helping these children re-enter school and society. “I started working with the parents,” she recalls, “helping them understand how to support their children.” From this beginning, her practice expanded to include working with foreign executives, trailing spouses, and families facing the challenges of living and working in a new culture. 

With her extensive experience in the automotive and aerospace industries in the U.S., Kisstopher seamlessly merged her understanding of both American and Japanese cultures to support expatriates in Japan. She observed that many executives missed out on promotional opportunities due to a lack of understanding of Japanese corporate culture. Kisstopher offers invaluable advice on “how to go up the ladder while you’re here in Japan” and helps trailing spouses launch their own careers. Her practice grew naturally from these needs, and she continues to guide a broad range of clients, from executives to families, with her client-centered approach. 

Kisstopher’s clients often refer others to her, which she finds deeply gratifying. She actively engages in the community, giving seminars, speaking at conventions, and participating in podcasts. She has spoken at the Black Women in Japan conference, often engages with the ACCJ and various country groups and was featured in The Japan Times, among many other platforms. However, she also makes a point of promoting other healthcare professionals, ensuring her clients know they have options. “I’m not for everyone,” she says with a smile. “I want everyone to find the right fit.” 

One of Kisstopher’s most important messages is that therapy is not about sugarcoating reality. “I’m for people who want to do the work,” she asserts. Her direct approach is balanced by deep compassion. She believes that telling clients the truth—even when it’s hard—sets them up for success. “I don’t want you to fail. I want you to succeed.”

Her philosophy extends to executive coaching, where the focus is goal-oriented. “Executive coaching is very cut and dry,” she says. “It’s about getting results, understanding the company culture, and knowing when to switch companies or cut losses.” Therapy, on the other hand, is about healing from trauma and improving self-management. 

Kisstopher is particularly passionate about helping women start their own businesses in Japan. She believes there are many untapped opportunities for expat women, especially those who overlook themselves in favor of their families. She has helped women launch everything from crochet businesses to English schools and encourages others to invest in themselves. “You just moved internationally,” she reminds them, “that is a whole business enterprise in and of itself.” 

She teaches her clients how to balance their personal and professional lives, starting with building credit and navigating the Japanese system. “Get to know your ward office, your local politicians,” she advises. “Don’t let the language barrier prevent you from seeking opportunities.” 

Kisstopher sees a bright future for expatriate executives in Japan, especially with changing visa laws and growing opportunities for PhDs. She is excited about the potential for more expat executives to thrive in Japan and emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of grants and scholarships for further education. 

As her business continues to evolve, Kisstopher is focusing more on executive coaching, where she sees untapped potential. “I’ve helped several people join the C-suite here in Japan,” she says proudly, “and I’m passionate about women owning their own businesses and succeeding.” 

At the heart of Kisstopher’s practice is her unwavering commitment to confidentiality. “Everything everyone says stays between me and them,” she asserts. By helping her clients face their challenges head-on, Kisstopher ensures they leave her practice feeling better about themselves, their lives, and their futures. In her own words, “Everybody deserves peace and happiness inside of their heart.” And with Kisstopher’s guidance, they find just that.