LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Hilo, HI
As a trauma-informed Queer Counselor I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, consensual nonmonogamy, and sex-positive lifestyles.
Warm, heartfelt, and open minded, I love helping people embrace their authenticity and work towards their goals. I believe therapy needs to balance deep introspection with practical solutions, so if you find yourself exploring your identity, your relationships, or your direction in life, let’s have a chat. Maybe its time to retrace your steps, or question the crossroad, or blaze a new trail, or rest a while. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll meet you where you're at.
As a trauma-informed Queer Counselor I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, consensual nonmonogamy, and sex-positive lifestyles.
Warm, heartfelt, and open minded, I love helping people embrace their authenticity and work towards their goals. I believe therapy needs to balance deep introspection with practical solutions, so if you find yourself exploring your identity, your relationships, or your direction in life, let’s have a chat. Maybe its time to retrace your steps, or question the crossroad, or blaze a new trail, or rest a while. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll meet you where you're at.
Leilani Maxera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Kanaka ʻŌiwi therapist who is queer, poly, kink, asexual/aromantic, and sex-worker friendly. I value harm reductionist, abolitionist, anti-capitalist, and anti-colonial therapy practices. I also love working to support other people in the healing and helping professions. I avidly support reproductive rights and the rights of transgender people, and can offer support to any individuals struggling with what is currently happening to erode these rights.
I am a Kanaka ʻŌiwi therapist who is queer, poly, kink, asexual/aromantic, and sex-worker friendly. I value harm reductionist, abolitionist, anti-capitalist, and anti-colonial therapy practices. I also love working to support other people in the healing and helping professions. I avidly support reproductive rights and the rights of transgender people, and can offer support to any individuals struggling with what is currently happening to erode these rights.
My own experiences with anxiety brought me to this field. I am passionate about helping to illuminate root causes and connecting mind/body/spirit. I also treat symptoms of depression, grief, addiction, and PTSD. I love being able to guide LGBTQ+ individuals navigating their sexuality, gender identity, and/or spirituality. Starting January 2025, I can offer integrative health coaching which includes nutrition, mindset coaching and in-depth lab work.
My own experiences with anxiety brought me to this field. I am passionate about helping to illuminate root causes and connecting mind/body/spirit. I also treat symptoms of depression, grief, addiction, and PTSD. I love being able to guide LGBTQ+ individuals navigating their sexuality, gender identity, and/or spirituality. Starting January 2025, I can offer integrative health coaching which includes nutrition, mindset coaching and in-depth lab work.
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.
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.
Alan R Spector
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
As Co-Founder of Equality Hawaii, I am well-versed in the issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.
Are you sad, anxious, or struggling with thoughts of self-harm? Have you experienced trauma in your life? If so, I can help. I offer a validating environment that allows you to explore your problems without judgement and together we can work to create solutions. I've been trained in a variety of treatment methods and will tailor therapy to your specific needs. I draw heavily from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and combine both DBT Psychotherapy and DBT Skills Training into individual sessions.
As Co-Founder of Equality Hawaii, I am well-versed in the issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.
Are you sad, anxious, or struggling with thoughts of self-harm? Have you experienced trauma in your life? If so, I can help. I offer a validating environment that allows you to explore your problems without judgement and together we can work to create solutions. I've been trained in a variety of treatment methods and will tailor therapy to your specific needs. I draw heavily from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and combine both DBT Psychotherapy and DBT Skills Training into individual sessions.
My passion above all is to support others and help them navigate the numerous challenges that present themselves in life, and ultimately find a sense of safety and the best version of themselves within that journey. I have experience with a wide range of people including children/adolescents, parents, and adults facing behavioral and mental health concerns including anxiety and depression, trauma, as well as social and relationship difficulties. The LGBTQ community is close to my heart and one that I recognize has a unique experience and own set of challenges.
My passion above all is to support others and help them navigate the numerous challenges that present themselves in life, and ultimately find a sense of safety and the best version of themselves within that journey. I have experience with a wide range of people including children/adolescents, parents, and adults facing behavioral and mental health concerns including anxiety and depression, trauma, as well as social and relationship difficulties. The LGBTQ community is close to my heart and one that I recognize has a unique experience and own set of challenges.
We specialize in forensic issues (patient advocacy in the court system), sexual issues, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety/depression, family issues, LGBTQ+, life-transition issues, substance abuse treatment using harm-reduction methods (including cannabis-replacement therapy), Dissociative Identity Disorders, Personality Disorders, and Schizophrenia.
I am the lead provider in a small group practice specializing in the following: ADHD (the only specialty ADHD clinic outside of Oahu, to our knowledge); psychedelics-integration therapy; Forensic (court-involved) clients; sexual issues of many kinds (identity, empowerment, experience enhancement, dysfunctions, etc.); medical cannabis certification; couples/relationship issues. Susan Cauley, MD Melanie Guerra (Clinical Aide), and myself are the team. Dr. Susan Cauley can provide medication coordination for our ADHD program, and is our Cannabis specialist.
We specialize in forensic issues (patient advocacy in the court system), sexual issues, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety/depression, family issues, LGBTQ+, life-transition issues, substance abuse treatment using harm-reduction methods (including cannabis-replacement therapy), Dissociative Identity Disorders, Personality Disorders, and Schizophrenia.
I am the lead provider in a small group practice specializing in the following: ADHD (the only specialty ADHD clinic outside of Oahu, to our knowledge); psychedelics-integration therapy; Forensic (court-involved) clients; sexual issues of many kinds (identity, empowerment, experience enhancement, dysfunctions, etc.); medical cannabis certification; couples/relationship issues. Susan Cauley, MD Melanie Guerra (Clinical Aide), and myself are the team. Dr. Susan Cauley can provide medication coordination for our ADHD program, and is our Cannabis specialist.
Emma Burrows
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
Welcoming inquiries from new clients. If you're motivated to feel healthier, nourished and supported, I'm here to help. I am a holistic therapist and coach and I offer compassionate guidance and deep listening. I welcome individuals looking for perinatal support including prenatal, postpartum, and birth processing. I have experience supporting people with anxiety, depression, body image, identity formation, life transitions, existential angst, relational challenges, and LGBTQIA+ youth. My additional training in depth-oriented Sandplay Therapy, yoga, and Ayurveda, informs the holistic framework I bring to my work with clients.
Welcoming inquiries from new clients. If you're motivated to feel healthier, nourished and supported, I'm here to help. I am a holistic therapist and coach and I offer compassionate guidance and deep listening. I welcome individuals looking for perinatal support including prenatal, postpartum, and birth processing. I have experience supporting people with anxiety, depression, body image, identity formation, life transitions, existential angst, relational challenges, and LGBTQIA+ youth. My additional training in depth-oriented Sandplay Therapy, yoga, and Ayurveda, informs the holistic framework I bring to my work with clients.
Kayla Ennett
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LMHC
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
Kayla Ennett, PsyD, LMHC, is a licensed therapist living in Colorado who is very motivated and excited to work with the residents of Hawaii via TeleHealth therapy. Kayla has an eclectic experience with counseling. She started off as a college career counselor and then moved on to school counseling. Later in her career, she began doing therapy with inmates at a state prison then veterans and their families on post. She currently focuses on working with clients and couples who suffer from depression, anxiety, personality disorders, LGBTQ+, and concerns related to intimacy and sex.
Kayla Ennett, PsyD, LMHC, is a licensed therapist living in Colorado who is very motivated and excited to work with the residents of Hawaii via TeleHealth therapy. Kayla has an eclectic experience with counseling. She started off as a college career counselor and then moved on to school counseling. Later in her career, she began doing therapy with inmates at a state prison then veterans and their families on post. She currently focuses on working with clients and couples who suffer from depression, anxiety, personality disorders, LGBTQ+, and concerns related to intimacy and sex.
A lot of my life’s work has been working with the LGBTQ community and with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression and complex trauma.
We are all human and life can be difficult, especially in the ever-changing world that we live in today. My job is to create a place of healing and love. I work with people to help guide them to help connect with themselves and with others in a more meaningful way. Each and every one of us deserve a healthy and balanced life, and it is my focus to help create that for others through purposeful therapy experiences. I believe that we are all put on this earth to help one another and it is important to me that you feel comfortable and supported the entire time through-out our journey together.
A lot of my life’s work has been working with the LGBTQ community and with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression and complex trauma.
We are all human and life can be difficult, especially in the ever-changing world that we live in today. My job is to create a place of healing and love. I work with people to help guide them to help connect with themselves and with others in a more meaningful way. Each and every one of us deserve a healthy and balanced life, and it is my focus to help create that for others through purposeful therapy experiences. I believe that we are all put on this earth to help one another and it is important to me that you feel comfortable and supported the entire time through-out our journey together.
I know it takes a lot to recognize the need for extra support and you should be proud of yourself. I want you to feel like I am a good fit for you along this journey. Finding the right person to help you through these challenges is very important. I have been a social worker for the past eight years. Much of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with post- partum mood disorders, complex trauma, parenting issues and life transitions. I also have experience working with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds such military families, adolescents, and individuals in the LGBTQ+ community
I know it takes a lot to recognize the need for extra support and you should be proud of yourself. I want you to feel like I am a good fit for you along this journey. Finding the right person to help you through these challenges is very important. I have been a social worker for the past eight years. Much of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with post- partum mood disorders, complex trauma, parenting issues and life transitions. I also have experience working with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds such military families, adolescents, and individuals in the LGBTQ+ community
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Relationships shouldn't be complicated or hurtful things. We can help you with the relationships in your life, by helping you better understand yourself. We can help you form healthy boundary in your relationships so that you can feel safe about yourself and others. Our clinic has profound understanding of abuse issues and relationships whether it's family, spouse/partner, friends or coworkers. We can help you with trauma that is preventing you from being all you can be. Please feel relaxed to call us.
Relationships shouldn't be complicated or hurtful things. We can help you with the relationships in your life, by helping you better understand yourself. We can help you form healthy boundary in your relationships so that you can feel safe about yourself and others. Our clinic has profound understanding of abuse issues and relationships whether it's family, spouse/partner, friends or coworkers. We can help you with trauma that is preventing you from being all you can be. Please feel relaxed to call us.
Are you searching for a deeper sense of purpose? I am here to educate, empower, and hold space as you navigate life’s uncertain terrain. Together we can create a safe container to lean into difficult emotions and identify opportunities and challenges, whether in your relationships, health, career, or family patterns. I enjoy working with couples, families, and individuals from adolescents to elders. I am passionate about connecting people to resources both internal and external.
Are you searching for a deeper sense of purpose? I am here to educate, empower, and hold space as you navigate life’s uncertain terrain. Together we can create a safe container to lean into difficult emotions and identify opportunities and challenges, whether in your relationships, health, career, or family patterns. I enjoy working with couples, families, and individuals from adolescents to elders. I am passionate about connecting people to resources both internal and external.
Kevin Faust
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, NCC, NATC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hilo, HI 96721 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Psychological trauma occurs when our level of stress exceeds our ability to cope with that stress. This often creates a disregulated nervous system (stuck in "fight-or-flight" survival mode) that may show up as feeling anxious or depressed, ADHD, memory issues, confusion, dissociation, or just feeling stuck. I specialize in helping womxn who have had abuse from narcissistic men. This type of romantic relationship is known as a "pathological love relationship" (PLR). I'd like to help you recover and become your best self again.
Psychological trauma occurs when our level of stress exceeds our ability to cope with that stress. This often creates a disregulated nervous system (stuck in "fight-or-flight" survival mode) that may show up as feeling anxious or depressed, ADHD, memory issues, confusion, dissociation, or just feeling stuck. I specialize in helping womxn who have had abuse from narcissistic men. This type of romantic relationship is known as a "pathological love relationship" (PLR). I'd like to help you recover and become your best self again.
Grace's focus in treatment is to be client centered and to help support you in accomplishing your goals in therapy. Her goal is to create a safe environment for you to process past or current difficulties, stressors or traumas. Grace has a background working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, attachment disorders, personality disorders, and have experienced abuse or neglect.
Grace's focus in treatment is to be client centered and to help support you in accomplishing your goals in therapy. Her goal is to create a safe environment for you to process past or current difficulties, stressors or traumas. Grace has a background working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, attachment disorders, personality disorders, and have experienced abuse or neglect.
When painful thoughts and emotions arise, they can make us feel paralyzed and miserable. We think about our painful experiences and feel the same agony over and over again! We worry about the future and feel a sense of dread and fear about things that have not yet happened! We want to get rid of the pain, but if we try to eliminate painful thoughts and feelings, it's like trying to plug a high pressure leak and the water keeps finding a weak spot to burst out again! What else can we do? We can accept feelings with compassion because they show us what's most important. We can observe thoughts, then act from choice instead of fear.
When painful thoughts and emotions arise, they can make us feel paralyzed and miserable. We think about our painful experiences and feel the same agony over and over again! We worry about the future and feel a sense of dread and fear about things that have not yet happened! We want to get rid of the pain, but if we try to eliminate painful thoughts and feelings, it's like trying to plug a high pressure leak and the water keeps finding a weak spot to burst out again! What else can we do? We can accept feelings with compassion because they show us what's most important. We can observe thoughts, then act from choice instead of fear.
Dr. Robert Storey obtained his B.A. in Liberal Arts at Washington and Lee University as a Philosophy major, minoring in Sociology. He obtained a Masters in Guidance and Psychological Services at Springfield College and was awarded his Doctorate in Educational Psychology ( Ed.D) while studying at American International University. He began his clinical internship in 1986 under the auspices of distinguished Dr. Frank Sacco, a protege of Karl Menninger with tutelage by Anna Freud. Dr. Sacco came from a long lineage of psychodynamic pioneers and Dr. Storey was privileged to be part of this tradition of groundbreaking psychologists.
Dr. Robert Storey obtained his B.A. in Liberal Arts at Washington and Lee University as a Philosophy major, minoring in Sociology. He obtained a Masters in Guidance and Psychological Services at Springfield College and was awarded his Doctorate in Educational Psychology ( Ed.D) while studying at American International University. He began his clinical internship in 1986 under the auspices of distinguished Dr. Frank Sacco, a protege of Karl Menninger with tutelage by Anna Freud. Dr. Sacco came from a long lineage of psychodynamic pioneers and Dr. Storey was privileged to be part of this tradition of groundbreaking psychologists.
Andrea Nila Negron, MSW, LSW, received her Master’s degree from New Mexico State University. With a background in trauma-informed yoga and bodywork, she brings a psycho-spiritual approach to healing and wellness. She specializes in collaborating with individuals with attachment and developmental trauma using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), which integrates a cognitive and somatic approach to address the root causes of current life challenges. Nila also has experience supporting individuals in 12-step recovery work.
Andrea Nila Negron, MSW, LSW, received her Master’s degree from New Mexico State University. With a background in trauma-informed yoga and bodywork, she brings a psycho-spiritual approach to healing and wellness. She specializes in collaborating with individuals with attachment and developmental trauma using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), which integrates a cognitive and somatic approach to address the root causes of current life challenges. Nila also has experience supporting individuals in 12-step recovery work.
Dr. Danielle Zandbergen
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, PhD
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
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.
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.
Petra Parvati Meedt, MS, MA is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern offering telehealth therapy for individuals, couples, and families in English and Spanish. Additionally, to being a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in Hawaii, she is a licensed psychologist in Puerto Rico, Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) in Texas, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist and certified Yoga Teacher. Her professional training includes a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the Interamerican University, Puerto Rico, specialized in Family therapy and a second master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Freiburg in Germany.
Petra Parvati Meedt, MS, MA is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern offering telehealth therapy for individuals, couples, and families in English and Spanish. Additionally, to being a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in Hawaii, she is a licensed psychologist in Puerto Rico, Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) in Texas, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist and certified Yoga Teacher. Her professional training includes a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the Interamerican University, Puerto Rico, specialized in Family therapy and a second master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Freiburg in Germany.
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See More TherapistsLGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.