Therapists serving clients in Pahoa, HI

Aloha, I am Dr. Edward Suarez. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience consulting, training and providing mental health services to a wide range of individuals around the world, including Florida, Hawaii and recently, headquartered in Morocco helping U.S. Peace Corps volunteers adjust to life in Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. I received my doctoral degree from the University of Hawaii, specializing in cross-cultural approaches to severe mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia, bipolar and major depression) but since then have expanded my expertise into areas of adjustment, stress & coping, anxiety (including social anxiety, OCD and phobias) My training and therapeutic approach focus on using best practices such as client-centered, trauma-informed, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including mindfulness and motivational interviewing, designed to help my clients efficiently assess and address problems in the here and now in order to achieve timely and lasting improvements. Usually this begins with a holistic assessment and focus on each person's health, diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, socialization, stress coping skills and self-care regimen, in addition to any additional specific concerns of each client I serve. My therapeutic approach emphasizes rapport building, empathic listening, radical acceptance, genuineness, and helping client's develop interpersonal (communication), intrapersonal (mental hygiene) and problem-solving skills so they can build on therapy to independently maximize their potential. The therapeutic relationship involves mutual collaboration in creating a client-based and client-driven plan so we can honestly assess and document progress and client readiness to successfully graduate and move on in a reasonable amount of time, typically just 1-2 months.

Hello, My name is Zack, and I am a licensed psychotherapist practicing in the states of Hawai'i, Washington, and Wisconsin. I have been working in the field since 2011, providing mental health counseling, supervision, and consultation services across a number of settings: community mental health centers, state agencies, major hospitals, and private practice. I have been fortunate to have had a wide array of experiences in working with a diverse client population over that time, collaborating across languages, cultures, gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientations. I typically work with clients that are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, relational issues, health challenges, and low self-esteem. I also enjoy engaging with clients who are struggling to integrate into new life roles and identities, and in helping those that are battling with addiction. It's my goal to provide an empathic, genuine, and active presence to my clients, and to create a safe and welcoming space in which to explore problematic issues. I consider genuineness to be at the forefront of every meaningful encounter in therapy, both on the part of the client and also of the clinician. I practice from an existential and humanistic perspective. This means that I consider the entirety of our shared, human condition in our work together, both regarding our infinite capacity for growth, and also being mindful of our inherent and inescapable limitations as human beings. I believe that the relationship between the counselor and client is the catalyzing, driving force of therapy and utilize an integrated approach to client work, drawing on a number of techniques that are informed by dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic theory, philosophy, positive psychology, logotherapy, and narrative therapy, among others.

Are you looking to make meaningful change in your life? Do you want to feel more present, authentic and connected to yourself and others? Whether you are feeling stuck in life or are navigating a life-altering event or post-traumatic stress, I am here to provide a safe, nonjudgemental space for you to overcome your obstacles and concerns. I know from both personal and professional experiences that each of us has the ability to awaken to the truth and find our light, even in the darkest of times. I can help guide you back to return home to your innate mental health and true nature, which is peace and wellbeing itself. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC in both Hawaii and Arizona. I was born and raised here in Phoenix, AZ. I served active duty in the US Navy, then post military became a city firefighter-paramedic in Virginia Beach, VA. I eventually graduated with my BA in Psychology from ASU (Go Devils!). I graduated with my Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 2016. I've worked as an inpatient therapist with adolescent youth, then moved on to working for the VA in social work with homeless veterans. I started my career in mental health while living in Honolulu, Hawaii for over 6 years and worked with a wide variety of populations of clients in various community and public school settings. My last job in Hawaii was as a Military & Family Life Counselor working with service members and their families at Joint-Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu. I've since moved back home to Phoenix and became licensed here in Arizona. For the past 3 years, I've been enjoying working as an independent online therapist on various platforms.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Hawaii. I grew up in the Northeastern US, and in a previous job I was able to live in several states. I love learning about different cultures, and I am lucky to call Hawaii with its vast diversity my home. I earned a Masters Degree in Social Work from Simmons University, Boston, MA. in 2017.Prior to becoming a social worker I spent several years as a registered nurse. I believe my experience in emergency/critical care nursing, and social work enables me to bring a unique perspective to my practice. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including but not limited to; depression, relationship issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, addictions, PTSD, and end of life concerns. I have had the privilege of working with active duty military, veterans and their dependents for the last six years. I also have experience working in the underserved local community in which I live. My counseling style is warm and approachable. I will be respectful of whatever is important to you, and your individuality. My treatment is trauma-informed, and strength-based utilizing the following; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. To reach out for professional help with personal issues takes courage. I will do my best to support you reach goals. Aloha, I look forward to working with you!

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Hawaii with over 6 years experience in the substance abuse and counseling field. I have assisted people in numerous areas of concerns, ranging from substance abuse,childhood trauma, sexual abuse,depression, anger management,domestic violence, life transitions,grief counseling and relationship issues. I believe in self empowerment as well as creating an ability to form healthy connections with others. My counseling style is guided by compassion, intuition and non-judgmental attitude. I will hold space for you as we explore your own personal healing processes. Some of the processes used are family of origin work, experiential therapy ,somatic and trauma based work coupled with an individualized plan to meet your personal needs. I will provide a listening ear, emotional understanding and intuitive insight to assist you in discovering your authentic self and supporting your healing journey. It takes a courageous soul to look into oneself for answers and if you are willing I will support you in this journey with love,compassion and truth. I look forward to working with you.

I am a clinical mental health counselor licensed in Florida and Hawaii with seven years of experience. Counseling is my second career path, as I am also a licensed pharmacist with over 28 years of experience. I have worked with many clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is to work as a team with my clients to figure out what works best for them. I believe in treating all individuals from all walks of life with respect and compassion. My theoretical approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, reality therapy, brief solution-focused therapy, career/vocational counseling, and mindfulness. I will personalize our sessions and your therapeutic treatment plan to meet your unique needs and goals. It takes courage and strength to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. So I commend you for that. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Hawaii with 11 years of clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with a range of concerns, from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, ADHD, & career difficulties. I also have experience and training in evidence-based modalities to treat people who have experienced combat trauma, sexual trauma, or other forms of abuse. I consider myself a holistic or integrative therapist in that I blend or utilize different therapeutic perspectives according to your individual needs. At my core, I am person-centered and want to honor a therapeutic direction that is comfortable and valuable for you. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Relationships are meaningful in therapy, and I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I know deciding to seek therapy isn't always easy, and if you have had a therapist in the past, starting a new relationship can seem daunting. I want you to know that your feedback matters, and I want to ensure our time together is well spent for you. The first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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. .

I am licensed in Texas, Florida and Hawaii with 16 years of professional work experience. I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

I am licensed in Hawaii with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.