
Frederica Banning
Aloha as we say in Hawaii! My nickname is 'Rickie' and I would like to welcome you to BetterHelp. You have taken an important first step in reaching out for counseling help. A little about me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with licenses in VA and HI. I hail from the East Coast originally, and have lived in Hawaii for about ten years. I have 25+ years as a psychotherapist, working with adults. I have worked with a diversity of client populations, ranging from working with the military, LGBT, women's groups, and clients in specialty areas around healing with relationship challenges, self-esteem and building self-confidence, grief and loss, anxiety and stress reduction, managing change, depression, substance abuse, especially alcohol abuse and family impact, incest, trauma, and eating disorders. I draw from several therapeutic styles, including solution-focused, integrative which combines person-centered and psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and Gestalt. I value insight and goal-setting as keys to behavioral change. I can also share with you that I’ve trained with some of the best as mentors and trainers, including Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross-the world's leading authority in grief and loss work, and Virginia Satir-the world's leading expert in family systems and couples work. A fun fact about me: I went up in a hot air balloon to celebrate my 30th birthday! Now let’s talk a bit about your counseling… In these first days and weeks, the process may feel slow at times, but we need to build trust so that I may sync my style to your needs so that you can best achieve your goals. The BetterHelp counseling space is where you have your voice, it is your safe space to express and where you are free to ask questions and freely share about how our process is flowing. Whether this is your first time or not in counseling, it is important that you be open about how things are going. If you are new, I will explain the counseling process along the way. Remember that I am your guide to inspire you forward but you are always in charge of your healing journey. When life knocks us down, we all need a warm heart and safe space where we can sort things through. I am here to help, whether you are navigating life challenges, repairing relationships with yourself and others, healing loss, or building change resilience. Reaching out takes courage. A committed counseling journey leads to healing and peace. I could share that I trained with Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Virginia Satir. I would rather say that I listen to connect, not to judge or reject. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”-African Proverb. Reach out. Let’s explore, together!

Lisa Watson
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Colorado, Hawaii, Washington and Florida. My experience began while serving in the USAF, in California, providing care to service members and their families struggling with Post Traumatic Stress, Anxiety, Substance Abuse and difficulty adjusting to military life. As my experience has expanded since leaving service, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals living with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders and Severe Depression. My counseling style has always been flexible and tailored to the person I am working with while ensuring we are following a model of therapy that is researched and shown to be successful. I have extensive training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care and in working with the LGBTQ population. I prefer an approach that highlights your strengths and follows your lead. I have no experience working with children, however I do have an interest area of working with struggling parents. With 2 children of my own and education in early childhood development I would love to begin working to help others navigate the world of parenting. Whether you are wanting to navigate an unexpected life event, get a handle on life long anxiety or process through events from your past that still effect you today, I believe I can help you and fully believe everyone can recover.

Lureen Tanaka-Nogawa
Aloha! I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Hawai`i with over 15 years of counseling experience. I have worked with clients (from preschool age-adulthood) with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems and career challenges. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating others with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with solution-focused therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Erean Larry-Fiakpuyi
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Margarita Araiza-Johnston
I graduated with a BA in Sociology/Anthropology and a Minor in French from the University of Redlands. After working with children and families in Illinois and California, I went back to school and earned my Masters in Social Work from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I worked as a social worker in Hospice and as a suicide and crisis counselor in Louisiana. I completed a program in the Theory and Practice of Mediation and Theory and Practice of Family Law Mediation. My areas of expertise include assessment, child abuse and neglect, bilingual therapy, family systems, domestic violence, crisis counseling, and suicide prevention. I offer compassionate and insightful therapy for people experiencing a broad range of issues, including LGBTQ+ issues.

Joachin Kaaihue
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. .

Andrea Werbalowsky
I am licensed in Hawaii with 5+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, & challenges with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open, client-centered environment where you can fully express yourself without fear of judgment and where you are the expert on your own lived experience. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I can also equip you with breath-body connection tools and somatic techniques to manage stress and anxiety and to release trauma triggers that may be holding you back from inhabiting yourself and your life as fully as you deserve. Expressive Arts Therapy/Creative arts exploration is another option in my toolkit for facilitating your self-discovery, growth, and empowerment.

Elijah Davenport
I am licensed in Hawaii with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Syeda Maharaj
Aloha! My name is Syeda Rabia Maharaj, but please do call me Rabia. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the beautiful state of Hawaii with 4 years of professional work experience. I graduated with my Bachelor's in Social Work from Adelphi University in Long Island, NY in 2016 and Master's in Social Work with a specialization in Gerontology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu, HI in 2020. I lived in Hawaii for 6 years and recently made the move to Southern California. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, fitness, nutrition, healthy lifestyle changes, life transitions, and navigating the elderly care system. I like to be personable and relatable in my therapeutic approach while also challenging you to think outside the box. I will assist you in prioritizing your physical and mental health to live a healthier and happier quality of life! 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in your life journey!

Tracie Stewart
I empower individuals and help them overcome obstacles. I have worked with many individuals by applying evidenced-based interventions in therapy. I have earned a master's degree in clinical psychology and as of recently, another master's degree in health psychology. I am a licensed professional counselor as well as distance credentialed counselor in the state of Wisconsin. I value overall wellbeing from a holistic perspective and I enjoy providing therapy that allows the development of improved life skills.
Find a therapist serving clients in Hawaii
Types of therapists available to clients in Halaula
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Halaula that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Halaula available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Halaula therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Halaula therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Halaula region and in the state of Hawaii.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Halaula can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Halaula may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.