What is your style/approach to therapy?
We have all seen those movies that portray psychotherapists as very cold, authoritarian, intense, constantly taking notes while remaining very formal, almost rigid. I, on the contrary, believe that therapy should be a positive experience, an environment full of kindness, empathy, collaboration, and active listening. That most reflects my style.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
During the pandemic, unfortunately, several of my clients lost their health insurance. It was yet another heartbreaking reminder of how unaffordable access to healthcare can sometimes be. In order to alleviate the problem at that time, and assure that my clients could continue to have the therapy they needed, I offered my services for free to them. I am aware that me sometimes volunteering therapy hours cannot solve a much bigger, systemic issue of sometimes inaccessible and unaffordable healthcare, which I think to be the big barrier to seeking out care. However, if you are reading this and are concerned about affording therapy, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
I would like to point out several components of a successful therapeutic relationship that I believe are the most important. First one is Trust, as a foundation for moving forward. Second is Mutual Respect that is crucial for optimal collaboration. Third is Judgement-free zone, since the presence of judgement could negatively affect both trust and respect, and impede any progress.
Specialties
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
Life transitions
Positive and negative change can be difficult, including things like moving, breaking up, adjusting to parenthood, or changing careers. It’s normal to feel stressed, however, life transitions can inhibit people from living healthy lifestyles.
Stress
Distress stems from a subjective perception of something being unwanted, undesirable, or detrimental to your wellbeing. Excessive stress significantly impairs mental and physical health and is associated with many diseases and conditions.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Academic challenges
Concerns that impact school performance or academic life. Can include perfectionism, bullying, financial stress, academic transitions, test anxiety, balancing school with other responsibilities, discrimination, or harassment.
Chronic pain
Any kind of pain that lasts three months or more. Can range from mild to severely debilitating and affect a person’s quality of life, sometimes leading to depression, anxiety, isolation, and insomnia.
Communication issues
Source of communication challenges in circumstances and relationships that can have a negative impact on mental health. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations often lead to arguments in personal, platonic, or professional relationships.
Fees
$135
First Session
$135
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Eclectic Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Licensure
HI, LMHC, MHC-815
Education
M.A, Psychology
Work History
I started out working in the field of behavioral health as a behavioral interventionist prior to my Masters degree, which hugely helped me prepare for my plans to become a Therapist. After my Masters degree in Psychology, I began working with clients in Hawaii, using my counseling skills and supervision to help them with a variety of concerns. During the pandemic, I had an opportunity to volunteer some of my time to my patients who had lost their insurance. Helping others continues to be my way of contributing to the community. My style is eclectic since we are all unique and deserve the most individualized care possible. When starting a treatment plan for a client, I most often utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, or Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I am also dedicated to being a culturally responsive provider, an anti-abelism advocate, and an LGBTQ+ affirming provider. In addition to this, I am an APA member of the Society for the Psychology of Women. All of those aspects listed (and much more) are something I continuously put effort into, so to gain more knowledge and training. Currently, I am advancing my education into the field of Business Psychology, specifically in the field of burnout.
Location
Remote Therapy - serving Hawaii, HI