Therapists in Hawaii

Sometimes life is hard. "Things fall apart, the center cannot hold," the poet tells us. But we do not have to go it alone. My primary role is to come alongside you as you journey in the way of wellness. I really believe in the strength that is in you. And I believe that we can work together to leverage it toward your goals. I believe that you are unique and will relate to you accordingly. I have been practicing counseling for 16 years in a variety of capacities and settings. My approach is collaborative, eclectic, and solution-focused. My style is calm and conversational. I utilize a variety of interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Behavioral Activation. I work with people with a wide range of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and mood disturbances. I also have a strong interest in spiritual issues, and am happy to work with people of faith, or people struggling with faith-related issues. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2004 from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK, and a Master's in Social Work in 2009 from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Hawaii. I am a parent of four girls, a lifelong musician, a bread baker, gardener, lover of forests and baseball. I ride my bike when I can and sometimes do experiments in my kitchen (some of which do not end well).

What ails you? I believe many of our issues stem from a lack of understanding and acceptance. I would like to be able to provide a space in which you can explore and reflect on the experiences that have brought you to seek help. I take a non directive, collaborative approach incorporating person centered, existential, interpersonal, and harm reduction philosophies. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” - Alan Watts

Aloha! I am delighted that you found me! I am a clinical social worker and an educator, deeply committed to embrace and empower those I work with towards living fuller, richer lives. I offer individuals a safe, supportive, encouraging, non-judgmental, and nurturing space where they may explore and grow. I help clients, by empowering them to take charge of their lives. My role is to illuminate the path to their ideal future. As a therapist, I draw inspiration from many sources, and have found that an integration of approaches and practices that are uniquely curated to each person and family tend to be especially effective in bringing about truly meaningful and sustainable change. As an EMDR trained therapist, I help clients process painful life experiences that continue to impact them. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a well-researched, integrative approach, that has been proven effective for the treatment of trauma. It utilizes the innate growth and healing mechanisms of the human nervous system. Clients report that they have received amazing benefits from EMDR. There is nothing more powerful for clearing trauma, abuse, and associated symptoms, including anxiety, depression, stress and grief. I also offer other therapeutic modalities, such as solution focused and psychodynamic therapy. With a Jungian perspective and being an educator of myth, I often integrate myths, archetypes, and dreamwork into my clinical work. It takes courage to face and embrace change. I believe that we are wired for wellness and integration, and that our innate resilience and ability to heal is greater than we can fathom. I help clients create relationships where they are comfortable enough to grow. It is through authentic relationships that we find the strength to dream big. I offer my expertise and guidance to help connect clients to that which they hold as most important. You deserve to receive competent, non-judgmental, and compassionate guidance when reaching for those goals. My services are personalized to suit individual needs. Let me assist you in discovering the depths of your personal power and positive change towards a more fulfilling and happier life.Together we can find deep and meaningful connection and insight, find joy, trust, and grow. Let’s begin the process of healing!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has had the privilege of gaining experience in a variety of counseling settings. I offer individual counseling. I provide a holistic approach to counseling by addressing your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. I approach therapy in a very integrative, client-centered manner to ensure the highest quality care is provided. I have experience working with individuals struggling with negative self-talk, challenging feelings and beliefs about the self, identity development, mood instability, substance use, anxiety, and history of trauma. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques that include cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, psychoeducational, trauma-informed, mindfulness, and more. I promote growth by offering a safe, accepting atmosphere so that you feel heard, validated, and empowered.

I am licensed in Hawaii with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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. .

I am licensed in Hawaii with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Hawaii with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am a licensed psychologist in Hawaii with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a licensed marriage & family therapist in Hawaii with 15 years of professional experience. My expertise includes helping clients with emotional trauma, veteran PTSD, stress, anxiety, grief, loss, intimacy-related issues, sleep disorders, and ADHD. I also specialize in professional coaching, supporting individuals in navigating challenges and achieving their personal and professional goals. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have inherent strengths that can help you overcome life's obstacles. Taking the first step to seek therapy can require great courage, and I commend you for starting this journey toward healing and growth.