Therapists for Teens in Honolulu, HI

The healing process is one that is infinite and the beauty of that rests in the fact that there are an abundance of healing methods and forms of healing. Sourcing the appropriate path is contingent upon our present state and what we need in that particular life moment. I believe that a holistic approach to psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues is the most effective way to reaching the source of our distress. Throughout treatment an individual or family is provided with various coping tools and skills to manage symptoms.

Regardless of age, social status, or family of origin, the way we feel about ourselves affects the way we see the world, experience our lives, and manage our relationships. Having local roots but being born and raised in "the big city" on the mainland, I know from experience what it's like growing up with a variety of obstacles and needing to navigate the sometimes fearsome and foreboding world. These experiences have fueled my present day commitment to help others stand up, have hope, and see possibilities.

I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with teens and their families in both "teen individual: and family therapy. I help to alleviate the trials of school problems and disruptive behaviors. I help the teen and the parents to explore different options to address the unique process of becoming a young adult I also aid couples who are struggling infertility issues to help navigate the emotional rollercoaster of the infertility experience.

I believe that all people are equal and deserve respect regardless of your history or your circumstances. I will collaborate with you towards positive change. I treat most diagnoses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism. I treat clients of all ages and offer individual, couple, family and play therapy and Neurofeedback. I completed my APA approved internship at Kapiolani Counseling Center for women and children and I have previously worked as the child and adolescent psychologist at Kahi Mohala. I was the lead psychologist at my last position, providing consultation for child, adolescent and adult therapists.

*Accepting new clients* "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." -Dr. Maya Angelou. We have all experienced feeling “stuck” in our lives at some point. Whether it be in school, work, personal relationships and family, it’s difficult sometimes not knowing how to move forward. Feeling stuck is more a circumstance and doesn't have to be a choice. Together we can make necessary changes to build a healthier and better life.

I have lived and worked in Hawaii for over 30 years, first working on Kauai, and for the past 25 years on Oahu. I am the first clinically licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State. I specialize in relationship counseling, but have significant experience and expertise in helping those with depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, and parent-adolescent issues. I see individuals, couples, and families in treatment. I am a teacher and supervisor of those studying to become marriage and family therapists. I teach Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Hawaii.

Hi, I’m glad you're here. Right now you may be at a point where you’re tired of being "strong” all the time, people-pleasing, and struggling with low self-esteem. You're the type of person that doesn't ask for help and you're probably pretty good at “having it all together.” I can imagine how exhausted you must feel. I would love to help ease your burdens. With my empathetic and easy-going nature, I'll help you let your guard down, regain control over your life, heal from your past, and learn to love yourself. Whether you’re a teen or young adult (13-35), I would love to help you experience the joy and freedom you deserve.

Sometimes life is difficult. If you are feeling that you have issues that no one else understands; if you feel that everything you are juggling is suddenly becoming too overwhelming; or if you have a child/teen that is more than you can handle... take the next step. I have the knowledge and experience to help you resolve a multitude of issues. I can to help provide you with the support you need to overcome your struggles and get back to "yourself" again.

If you have a child with behavioral difficulties and need to decrease outbursts, if you cannot get your adolescent to listen, or don’t know what to do to support your teenager who is struggling with mood swings, I can help. Whether you are an individual or a parent who wants to improve your quality of life, a couple or a family that wants better cohesiveness, I have worked as an individual and family therapist on many of the Hawaiian islands with local families and families new to the islands on a plethora of issues.

Life takes us for turns we don't expect and sometimes we’re able to get through them, but in other times, we can become stuck. We may feel overwhelmed at work, in our marriage, or in other relationships. Perhaps, there are difficulties with a teenager at home or maybe there are feelings of sadness or anxiousness. When life brings us to this point, reaching out for help is a courageous first step toward change. Entering therapy can provide clarity to the confusion and is a safe place to explore alternative avenues toward an improved quality of life.

"My intention is to assist people in developing the skills and options to live life successfully with fulfilling relationships, meaningful work, healthy minds and bodies, and the desire to keep striving for their dreams."

With two decades of working with court-ordered clients needing to address anger management and relationship violence, I help individuals and couples understand how their childhood and adolescent experiences effect their approach to marriage and families. Changes cannot be made until we understand our baggage, why it gets us triggered, and how to deal with it positively within your relationship. I love helping individuals identify and understand the pieces of their puzzles. I approach counseling to teach clients about Relationships 101, which I refer to as “common sense made obvious.” I help clients to re-write their “programs.”

Do you feel like you're struggling with daily life and you can't seem enjoy your life? Growing up, living as an adult, and working in various parts of Oahu, I familiar with the diverse array of cultures Hawaii has to offer. I also am aware of the unique challenges that are present on the islands. In the daily hustle, our emotional needs and mental wellbeing are often forgotten. My passion is assisting people recognize the importance of their emotional needs and rediscovering their unique differences and qualities to gain the confidence to be authentically themselves in all realms of life.

I offer a safe, non judgmental, supportive and compassionate environment for all of my clients. We are all human and life can be really hard at times. I am here to help guide my clients to a have a deeper understanding of themselves and their lives, and to help them gain the tools needed to make healthier choices and changes that promote a more balanced life.

I help clients identify habits that limit their quality of life and help them learn new skills to both overcome distress and achieve optimal functioning. For over 10 years I have assisted adults, children, and families to overcome difficult life transitions and address behavioral disturbances. I specialize in helping to overcome past or recent traumas, depression and anxiety, stress, addictions, and relationship issues. I specialize in psychological assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults using evidence-based treatments to overcome trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship issues, and other problems.

Whether you are seeking ways to strengthen your relationship to self or others, or experience growth in your development and well-being, I am here to help you navigate these issues and more. I specialize in adolescent and adult therapy with an emphasis on anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship and identity concerns. I have worked in school-based settings, child welfare, foster and adoptive care, residential care, and private practice. I work primarily with individuals, but also enjoy working with couples whether it be premarital or marital counseling.

As a marriage and family therapist, I provide therapeutic services to a range of clients, from those struggling with intimate partner conflict to navigating the obstacles of co-parenting. I approach each individual, couple, or family with compassion and excel to establish a caring, collaborative and welcoming environment with consideration for one's cultural background, sexual orientation, and life experiences.

With over 19+ years of experience in Hawaii Behavioral/Mental Health, I provide psychotherapy and stress mgmt coaching as a Clinical Psychologist with a subspecialty in Marriage and Family Therapy. My professional goals are to help individuals, couples, or a family, find resolve, contentment, and meaningfulness. Through evidenced based practices, I intend to provide a non-judgmental, neutral, and safe, clinical psychotherapy environment/relationship. We may have to develop a new direction and purpose or simply clarify what is. I am a therapist with sensitivity, compassion, and an awareness of cultural diversity issues.

Finding the right therapist can be overwhelming. I understand it takes courage to be vulnerable, so I’ll meet you with compassion and a non-judgmental space for healing. A safe space for exploring your thoughts and feelings while being heard and understood. Our lived experiences can often burden us with feelings of hopelessness, worry, fear, shame, and guilt, or sometimes have us questioning our self-worth or purpose in life. You have worth and your needs matter and are deserving of individualized attention. Together, I will support you in processing what has you feeling stuck or in pain and interfering with your daily life.