Family therapy and counseling in Honolulu, HI

Client-focused, not one-size fits all. It's all about relationships. I'm here to listen and perhaps gently guide. I use psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and Gottman technique with couples.

Aloha! As a clinician with over 18 years of experience, my passion is working with children and families. Healthy families are the core unit of our society and can break negative patterns for ourselves and future generations, and I believe that early intervention can dramatically change the trajectory of a young person’s life. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing the professional guidance needed to navigate behavioral challenges, identity struggles, and family transitions.

I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have an experienced advocate committed to their success. My background as a UCLA graduate has allowed me to serve families across various life stages, from young children to adults navigating relationship hurdles. When I am not in the office, I find peace and restoration in the natural beauty of the islands, which keeps me grounded in my work.

Aloha, my name is Akoni Kanaele. I provide compassionate, culturally responsive support that is trauma informed. I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment. I work with individuals navigating stress, relationships, life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth. My approach focuses on building on each client’s strengths, developing practical coping skills, and creating meaningful, positive change.

Bruised Not Broken Therapy was born out of the lack of Afrocentric based psychotherapy that allowed people of color to embrace their journey of life through the context of color. HIV, substance abuse, mental health and the denial of the experience of being a person of color continues to plague communities of color, as we still have yet to talk about these experiences.

I am open, approachable, and committed to listening carefully to your experiences without judgment. I believe that each person carries a unique story, and my goal is to provide a supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and encouraged as you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities for growth. Together, we can explore what is most important to you and work toward creating a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and aligned with your values.

My background includes earning a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, along with a lifelong appreciation for personal growth, nature, and the healing power of connection. Growing up learning to surf fostered a deep respect for the ocean and the lessons it offers about resilience, balance, and adapting to life's changing conditions. These experiences have shaped my belief in the importance of honoring each individual’s journey and recognizing that growth often comes through both challenge and reflection.

• I believe therapy can be a space for healing, growth, and even laughter. My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself, find your voice, and bring out the parts of you that may have gotten lost along the way. I work with clients ages 5 and up and strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel safe being yourself. Therapy is your journey, and I’m here to support and walk alongside you as you navigate it.

As a board certified psychotherapist, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 10 years, I work with a plethora of inter-generational clients aged 21-90 who are struggling with anxiety and depression and trauma.

As a chaplain, I take a psycho-spiritual approach and work with clients assisting with intercultural issues, blended family dynamics, religiosity challenges and grief & loss.

My communication style is nonjudgmental, authentic, and grounded in honesty, empathy, and respect. I believe that meaningful therapeutic work happens when clients feel safe enough to be themselves and know they will be met with understanding rather than criticism. My goal is to create a space where you can openly explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences while feeling genuinely supported throughout the process.

I take a holistic approach to therapy and believe it is important to understand the whole person, not just the challenges that bring them to treatment. Together, we may explore areas such as work-life balance, childhood experiences, relationships, physical health and well-being, cultural influences, personal values, and future goals. By considering the many factors that shape your life, we can develop a deeper understanding of your experiences and create a path toward meaningful, lasting growth.

I strive to balance compassion with honesty, offering both support and thoughtful feedback when appropriate. My goal is to help you gain insight, strengthen self-awareness, and make choices that align with the life you want to create.