Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Pahoa, HI

I have particular compassion and knowledge for those with transgender and sexual orientation issues and with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault. I am familiar with the social stigma and trauma that can result from being a person with these issues and have helped many overcome the resulting emotional and psychological distress.

Dr. Michelle Zalenski (Dr. Z) is a Clinical Psychologist who received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1993, Master of Education in Counselor Education in 1995, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2003. She has over twenty years of experience working with diverse populations in the state of Hawai‛i and has resided on Hawai‛i Island since 2003. Her passion is to help people reach their personal health and mental health goals in a supportive setting. Her practice is with Maika'i Health which is a primary care community clinic. You do not need to be a patient of Maika'i Health to see Dr. Zalenski.

Hello! My name is Maria Balaji, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). With a passion for mental health and helping individuals improve their overall well-being, I have dedicated my career to providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy to those in need. This provider resides in Hawaii. I specialize in several areas including anxiety, depression, trauma informed care, grief and loss, and life transitions. It is crucial to me that I continuously expand my knowledge and skills, allowing me to offer the most effective interventions and techniques for my clients' specific needs.

Aloha and thank you for taking this step towards self exploration and healing. I have worked as a mental health professional in East Hawaii for thirty years. I provide a safe and supportive environment for those who are motivated to shed light on and explore solutions for depression, anxiety, grief, loss, developmental disabilities, relationships, parenting, adjustments during transitions in life and trauma.

My approach focuses on addressing immediate symptom relief and current life problems with an emphasis on identifying underlying emotional causes that may be contributing to these difficulties. My practice presumes that understanding psychological conflicts underlying unpleasant negative behaviors and/or emotions will help people gain important understanding into their current problems and, consequently, lead them to make considerable changes in their lives.

Sophia Bullard studied at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, receiving her Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2021 and her Masters of Science in Community and Trauma Counseling in May of 2022. Sophia is currently working towards the LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) credential in the state of Hawaii. Additionally, she has future goals of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist. Sophia’s clinical experience stems from working as a counseling intern at various public elementary and middle schools in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Do you feel anxiety, depression, relational stress, grief, loss, & are searching for meaning, purpose, identity, hope, & fullest potential? Trauma can shake us to our core and challenge the way we think and feel about ourselves and the world around us. Together we will collaborate on a compassionate therapeutic plan to understand how your coping skills have protected you, develop new skills, and embrace self-acceptance even as we grow. I also offer therapeutic harp music for relaxation and mindfulness practice if desired! I hope to assist you discover the gifts in your suffering and see yourself in a new light!

I am a licensed therapist in the states of Alabama, Massachusetts, and Hawaii with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, family conflicts, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, and career difficulties. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I have had a varied work experience, and I now specialize in working with teens and, young adults. I have been working with teenagers since moving to Big Island in 2004. Through the therapeutic relationship we can explore belief systems, challenges and needs presented by individual clients. I have been working in the addictions/mental health field for over a decade. I am familar with the addiction/recovery process. I can offer individual attention to the challenges and needs in the early stages of recovery in a confidential setting, in my private office. Working towards your individual goals will be the basis for the therapeutic relationship.

My name is Lisa Marcelino, PhD, LMFT. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I primarily use solution-focused and emotion-focused modalities to help clients suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. I love helping others and making a difference. I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and relational issues.

Hi! My name is Nina and I was born and raised in Hawaii. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without judgment. I understand that reaching out for help is hard and I acknowledge that; it takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and joyful life and to take those first steps towards lasting change. I would love to be able to support & empower you in that journey! :)

Hannah Beck, BA graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University. She has recently relocated to Oahu where she pursues her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Hannah is also credentialed in personal training, health coaching, and nutrition. Hannah's extensive experience as a server has also helped develop her strong interpersonal skills. Her diverse occupational background has made her a well-rounded and open-minded mental health worker.

I believe we navigate the waters of life by constantly adjusting to subtle and profound changes, much like tacking a sailboat or steering a kayak in order to keep moving ahead. How we experience those changes -- as loss or opportunity, with sadness or joy -- determines the course we will follow. While each of us must make the individual choice of how to move forward, I believe we are all in this together. No one need navigate alone. The process of counseling is to support the planning of the trip ahead, and to help navigate the waters of life.

Psychological trauma occurs when our level of stress exceeds our ability to cope with that stress. When this happens, our subconscious minds often develop cognitive distortions and a disregulated nervous system (stuck in fight-or-flight survival mode) that can then lead to maladaptive behaviors. This may show up as feeling anxious or depressed, ADHD, memory issues, confusion, or dissociation, feeling stuck, or lacking stability, motivation, & focus in life. I specialize in helping womxn who have been subjected to narcissistic abuse by men. This type of romantic relationship is known as a "pathological love relationship" (PLR).

Are you bothered by constant worry, fear, nervousness or anxiety? Feeling down, depressed, hopeless or like life is always going wrong? Having difficulty focusing or concentrating and feeling like you are always on the move? Is procrastinating or always putting things off until the last minute something you struggle with? These are all a part of being human, and there is nothing wrong with you. Let me help you better how to understand these thoughts, and feelings and drop the struggle against them. I can help you better understand how you can change behaviors and live a better life, even with these thoughts and feelings.