I am licensed in Hawaii with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem & self worth, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I believe that most of the things we reach out for help with are normal reactions to hectic life experiences/the world in general. Taking the first step to seeking help takes courage, and it can feel anywhere from uncomfortable, scary, or even cringy for some. That's why I am here to support you in this process and make it feel more natural and normal.
The type of therapy that I conduct is a cross between traditional talk therapy (psychoanalysis) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). Depending on your needs, I also conduct cognitive trauma therapy (CTT). In general, I conduct what's called trauma informed therapy, also with a lens that encompasses attachment theory. It is ok if you have never heard of or do not know what any of this entails, as I will guide you as needed. I enjoy collaborating with my clients, as I recognize that first and foremost, this therapy is for your benefit and thus requires input from you.
In addition to individual therapy, I have extensive work in the ER, psychiatric ER, and some inpatient psychiatric experience. Therefore, I have done a great deal of work with people who are in immediate crisis and with people who have a broad range of mental health conditions. This includes extensive work with individuals who are diagnosed with what's called serious mental illness. I have worked with victims of assault, domestic violence, trafficking, childhood and systemic trauma, as well as trauma/experiences with near fatal accidents. Prior to my career as a social worker, I worked as a Hospital Chaplain in the trauma wards and the cancer wards (adult and pediatric). In this setting my primary role was working with patients and their family's during the death and dying process as well as working on and exploring what brings them meaning, a sense of purpose, and hope.
I received my Masters in Clinical Social Work from Boston University. I completed my clinical training at a Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, a level1 trauma hospital, in the ER, psychiatric ER, and inpatient psychiatric unit. I received my Masters in Divinity from Duke University and did my chaplain training at UNC Hospital and a residency at Duke University Hospital.
Additional areas of focus: Grief, Eating disorders, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Avoidant Personality, Body image, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent Personality, Domestic Violence, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Impulsivity, Military and Veterans Issues, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Self-Harm, Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
HI LCSW LCSW-5117