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.
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Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Depression, Compassion fatigue, Communication problems, Multicultural concerns, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy
HI LMFT MFT-229
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Joachin Kaaihue. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Very insightful. Gentle
Guidance
Written on Nov 30, 2025 after therapy with Joachin for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
Joachin has successfully helped me on multiple problems I have sought help for. I quit therapy once and went back because of my confidence in his work.
Written on Oct 03, 2025 after therapy with Joachin for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and self esteem
Joachin Kaaihue is a very experienced and insightful counselor. Each time I speak with him, he asks thoughtful questions that guide me to reflect more deeply and understand myself better, including why I feel the way I do in certain situations. His approach makes me feel heard and supported, and I always leave our sessions with more clarity. I find talking to him very helpful.
Written on Sep 09, 2025 after therapy with Joachin for 1 year and 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
I really appreciated Joachin’s personable and relaxed style. We quickly and easily developed a therapeutic relationship, and I felt very supported by him and our sessions. Definitely especially highly recommend to people who live in Hawaii.?
Written on Aug 07, 2025 after therapy with Joachin for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and adhd
So far I’ve been talking with my therapist for just about 5 months. It’s been helpful to me and I have someone who can hear me out with what’s going on in my life. I think it helps to keep me on track and it gives me a sense of peace. He gives me helpful information when needed. I would recommend for anyone who needs the extra professional support to seek help and possibly connect with Joachin Kaaihue.
Written on Aug 02, 2025 after therapy with Joachin for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, and coping with life changes
He's the best
Written on Jul 31, 2025 after therapy with Joachin for 1 month on issues concerning adhd