Therapists in Keaau, HI

I have been a psychotherapist working in the Mental Health field since 1994. My education entailed a BS in Psychology and a BA in history from the University of Washington and MA in psychology from Antioch University. I have worked in a variety of settings in the Mental Health Field including working as a supervisor at the King County Crisis Line for ten years and recently at Harborview doing crisis intervention and psychotherapy. My passion has always been doing therapy and helping people have better lives. The process of therapy and success needs to be defined by the patient. My style of therapy after 25 years is my own.

My goal is to provide therapy to children, adolescents, individuals, and families to maximize their happiness and health through self reflection and the development of strong balanced relationships.

Have you been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, sad or worried? You are not alone; I am here to help. Making that phone call and choosing a therapist can be challenging but it is the first step towards improving your current situation and the quality of your life. Within a safe, non-judgmental and caring environment, we will explore ways to embrace change and find the fulfillment and life balance you long for. We will build on your strengths and empower you to make the choices and changes that make sense to you.

Therapy can help to provide some guidance and understanding the obstacles of your life. I offer a safe and supportive environment to start the process of exploring those obstacles and embrace change. I use a client centered approach in my work with my clients and have a strong behaviorist background. I am comfortable in working with children, adolescents, adults individually

I counsel individuals dealing with behavioral problems, difficult transitions, losses, and traumatic events that cause emotional suffering and interfere with their life. I combine principles from the Cognitive-Behavioral, Existential-Humanistic, and Integrative Psychotherapy approaches like EMDR and IFS (Internal Family System).

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.

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.

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 work focuses on illuminating my clients' strengths and helping them to access their inner emotional and spiritual wisdom, while also acknowledging and challenging the patterns of thought, communication and behavior - fueled by self-sabotaging stories - that may have been keeping them from reaching their natural state of health, happiness and success.

Have you experienced domestic violence, trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional or behavioral problems? If you're ready to move through these challenges, I would like to partner with you in your healing process. I provide a safe, supportive, empathic presence for exploration, processing and healing to occur. You set the pace and we will work together to find strategies that will help you move towards healing, improved functioning and a better quality of life. I look forward to meeting with you, hearing your story and working together to create a helping relationship in which you and your family can thrive and grow.

I am currently accepting Graduate Students for supervision. Are you struggling with past or current military, childhood or other types of trauma? Are you dealing with overwhelming anxiety or depression? Are you in conflict with family members? These are my specialties and I would be honored to guide you through the healing process. I focus on unique individual strengths and positive attributes. I am here to guide you on that journey of rediscovery in yourself and with your loved ones.

This life journey, so full of potential joy, grace and human intimacy, is a winding road. Exploring what keeps us from optimal positive relations and personal peace, health, and acceptance is what my work embodies. Each of us has unique strengths and challenges. My experience is working with depression, anxiety/stress, trauma/PTSD, relationship, parenting and family issues, grief and loss, life transitions, and spiritual crisis. I advocate and am available for premarital sessions for couples.

Therapy can be the opportunity to explore our lives in a safe space and unpack why we feel stuck. I encourage my clients to discuss what they want to see happen in their life and work with them on developing goals. I use a combination of family structure, emotional focus and family of origin modes of therapy in my practice. Therapy for some can be a new experience and I honor that.

I assist couples as well as individuals to improve their communication and relationship skills. Honesty and respect for ourselves and others is the key to successful outcome.I implement the Gottman method in relationship therapy and believe that this approach can successfully improve any relationship. It is very applicable in situations where mediation and/or co parenting is indicated. I have experience in cross cultural concerns, abuse and domestic violence situations, depression, anxiety and trauma related situations.

I believe that each individual is doing the best they can, and that given empathy, unconditional positive regard and respect they can come to a greater sense of self-acceptance leading to a better functioning life. My approach is tailored to the individual, using humanistic, mindfulness and cognitive behavioral elements to facilitate the best outcomes. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, bipolar and personality disorders, as well as women's issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, and issues involving poverty.

PSALMS IN PARADISE, a non profit public Charity has a mission to provide counseling, training and community support to people who have no time, money, or way to access the quality psychotherapy, child therapy, or couples counseling they need. Psalms in Paradise is based in Riverside, California, and East Hawaii. Therapy sessions are available face to face in a relaxing tropical office or in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Internet and teletherapy are also available for those who can not meet face to face.

Life has its difficult moments. I specialize in helping people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use or are going through some sort of life change. Whether it be life changes like moving or a death of a loved one, switching jobs or recurring relationship issues, change can be tough (even if it a positive one). Do you need someone to talk to in a safe space without feeling judged? I help clients gain new insights into themselves.

I specialize in treating Anxiety, utilizing evidence-based modalities which are backed by scientific evidence, teaching people to achieve calm as soon as the first session. I can also help you to manage Depression, life transitions, and more. Lastly, I am a hilo native, and iv'e been in practice here for 11 years.

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.