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Our Team
Mari Sakano, MD, MSc
（Japanese Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist）
I am a Japan-qualified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience specialising in child and adolescent mental health.
After graduating from Nippon Medical School and training in paediatrics at the University of Tokyo Hospital, I received a three-year scholarship at the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management, where I began combining my medical career with a commitment to public service. In 2010, I was selected as a parliamentary candidate in Japan to advocate for the most vulnerable children and families.
I later trained as a child and adolescent psychiatrist and joined the University of Tokyo Hospital to deepen my expertise in complex developmental and mental health conditions. In 2016, I moved to the UK to pursue an MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at King’s College London (IoPPN), which expanded my international perspective and clinical approach.
In 2018, I set up Rainbow Forest Group (Rainbow Forest Clinic/Therapy Centre) in Japan, an unique mental health institution dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children and families.
In 2020, I set up the UK branch, Rainbow Forest Centre London, now operating as a limited company. We provide psychological assessments and therapeutic support for Japanese-speaking children and families living in the UK.
In 2025, I was appointed as a Co-opted School Governor at primary school in Ealing, London to bring my experience to the governance of a local school.
My mission is to make mental health care more culturally sensitive and accessible to migrant and minority communities—particularly those raising neurodivergent children across borders.
Qualification (registered in Japan):
Designated Psychiatrist (equivalent to a Section 12 approved psychiatrist)
Certified Psychiatrist (equivalent to a consultant psychiatrist)
Instructor Psychiatrist
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Board Certified Child Mental Health Medical Specialist
Certified Occupational Physician
Publications:
Sakano, M & Snowden, N. (2018), "Paving the way for the future of child and adolescent mental health in Japan", London Journal of Primary Care, 10: 4, 123-125, _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b -136bad5cf58d_ https://doi.org/10.1080/17571472.2018.1483002
Sakano, M., Mukherjee, R. and Turk, J. (2019), "Behaviour and adaptive functioning in children and young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a UK study", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 12 No. 1 /2, pp. 62-72. https://doi.org/10.1108/ADD-10-2018-0016
Message:
As a parent of a child with SEND, I myself faced various challenges in transitioning school between countries. Although my son had received very supportive care in a SEND provision at school in Japan, I could not feel supported in the UK. The UK laws regarding parental responsibilities of attendance, exclusion systems which might exclude children with SEND, and a difficult pathway to the EHCP were all overwhelming for me. I also noticed that there were ineffective interventions and misunderstanding of children with SEND in the UK. I would like to create a place where a child and family can be accepted in a non-judgemental and empathetic way and where comprehensive and integrated assessments and therapies are accessible.
Yuki Kawakubo, MA, PhD
（Japanese Child Developmental Psychologist）
2003 Completed PhD at University of Tsukuba Graduate School
(Doctor of Physical and Mental Disability Studies)
2003-2018 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Neurology,
University of Tokyo Hospital and Department of Mental Development
Engaged in clinical and research mainly for developmental disorders from
infancy to adulthood
2003-2009 Part-time counsellor, Psychological and Developmental Education Counselling Office, University of Tsukuba
2006 Researcher, Intellectual Disability Department, National Center of Neurology
and Psychiatry
2016- Living in the UK
Qualification;
- Clinical Development Psychologist (Registration No. 01908)
- Certified Psychologist (Registration No.71554)
Affiliation Society; Japan Developmental Psychology Society, Japan Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Society
Message:
I have been impressed with cultural differences since I moved in the UK. In terms of the development of children and people's lives, the environment such as language and culture is substantially related to the personality of each person. Also, I believe that everyone has worries and anxieties in life or parenting because there is no correct answer. When you're feeling pain or difficulty in living, I'd be happy to help you with feeling easy and walking your own path.
Mikyung Jeon, MSc,
Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA)
(Korean Developmental Play Therapist)
Education
-
2024 MSc in Applied Behavior Analysis
-
2018 B.A. in Play Therapy
Professional Experience
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2024–Present SEN School, UK
Providing 1:1 and group interventions for children with autism and developmental delays, supporting social skills, communication, and play-based learning. -
2022–2024 ABA Therapist, Seoul
Delivered individualized intervention programs based on VB-MAPP, ELCAR, and Socially Savvy; experienced in social skills development and challenging behavior management. -
2018–2022 Developmental Play Therapist, Seoul
Conducted play therapy sessions, supported child development, and provided parental guidance.
Qualifications
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Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA)
-
Play Therapy Certificate (Korea)
Message:
I believe every child is like a flower, and every flower blooms in its own time. My passion is to wait for and support each child’s spring to come, and to help their winter be not just a cold season but a warm preparation for blooming. This is my motto and what guides my work with children.
Since moving to the UK, I have also realized how strongly language, culture, and environment shape children’s development. I believe each child has unique strengths, and there is no single correct answer in parenting or learning. My goal is to support children and families so they can feel confident, enjoy social interactions, and walk their own path with joy.
