I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Hawaii with 14 years of professional experience. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals of all ages, from young children as young as five years old to middle school-aged children (i.e., 11 - 14 years old), adolescents (i.e., 14 - 19 years old), and adults of various ages. I have worked in the helping profession, in one capacity or another, since 1996. I have worked in both private (non-profit) and public settings.
“The Conversation” in Sessions
I firmly believe in " the conversation" and, in my way, demystifying the counseling/therapy session while acknowledging the client's individual experience. The hope is to provide a non-judgmental, honest, virtual environment for the client to share their story. Here in Hawaii, we refer to the "conversation" as a "talking story." YOU (the client) are the expert on your life story, and whether you know it or not, YOU (the client) possess the strengths that will assist you in overcoming your present challenges--I am here to help.
My "Systemic Perspective”
My specific license (i.e., Marriage and Family Therapist) may suggest I exclusively work with marital couples and families. Most of my experience is with providing counseling/therapy to individuals. I review an individual's case and what brought them to counseling/therapy through a "systemic" perspective. A "systemic" perspective refers to the individual's relationship with others in different aspects of their life, i.e., work, family, social, and personal life, and the possible influence it may have on that individual's current attitudes, habits, and behaviors. The "systemic" perspective may appear broad on the surface; however, it is just the starting point or what I refer to as a "blank canvas” for an individual to fill with their personal experiences during sessions.
The Approach and Process in Sessions
During my counseling/therapy sessions, I aim to create a dynamic process of sharing, exploration, and learning. I adopt a strength-based and pragmatic approach that focuses on identifying general themes and specific details behind the client's current situation that initially brought them to counseling/therapy. This initial process of sharing includes the client telling their story relative to their "presenting concern(s) and possibly conveying their ideal and realistic outcomes. The primary goal is to develop relative goals and direction for future sessions by identifying "exceptions" or instances within the client's life where their "presenting concern(s)" did or did not occur. Clients may need to recall specific details of these occurrences, such as the people involved, location, time of day, and period in their lives (past, present, or future), which can sometimes be a challenging and emotional experience. If a specific memory becomes especially difficult, the client may want to take a break, stop altogether, or shift the conversation to another topic--the client decides when they are ready to talk about a particular situation.
Assignments and Resources
The BetterHelp platform provides resources such as worksheets, access to and use of an online journal, and, in some cases, informational videos. I understand that people have their daily lives and that their time is at a premium; therefore, rest assured, I am judicious regarding worksheet assignments, whether they are requested to be completed or just reviewed. If clients feel comfortable doing so, I recommend using the journal function if they are inclined to do so.
The first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, a level of commitment, and a willingness to explore the unfamiliar. I and other therapists on this platform are here to support you in this process.
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Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Depression, Compassion fatigue, Communication problems, Multicultural concerns, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy
HI LMFT MFT-229
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Joachin Kaaihue. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I have excellent session's with Joachin. He’s emotionally intelligent and very engaged. The best therapist I’ve had by far.
Written on Nov 27, 2024 after therapy with Joachin for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
I have recieved more insight than I set out for. In a short time he has help me navigate my initial issue and then he allowed me to talk through and give me tips on how to deal with the brought up issue at hand.
I am looking forward to exploring the rabbit hole in a light we are both fluid in.
Written on Aug 16, 2024 after therapy with Joachin for 2 weeks on issues concerning parenting issues, coping with life changes, and coaching
Amazing !
Written on Jul 29, 2024 after therapy with Joachin for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and grief
J. Kaaihue is an extremely talented and professional therapist. I highly recommend.
Written on Jul 20, 2024 after therapy with Joachin for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Joachin has been amazing to talk to. He is very good at listening and so far everything that he has responded with has been extremely enlightening and very helpful. He is very kind and has a great personality. This is my first time taking to a therapist and I thought it would feel like talking to a brick wall, but Joachin is exactly the opposite.
Written on Jun 27, 2024 after therapy with Joachin for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and self esteem
Fantastic to talk to about different aspects of difficulties and troubles. Offers good feedback and talks through issues with you. Excellent therapist.
Written on May 31, 2024 after therapy with Joachin for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties