Grief counselors and therapists 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.

I've been a psychologist for over 10 years. I have practiced in different places across, the U.S., including Seattle, Hawai'i, and now Wilmington the past few years. I truly enjoy what I do. I believe working on your mental health makes life more satisfying, myself included. I work with adults from a variety of backgrounds, Common reasons people see me include: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, men's issues, and substance use.

Many people move through life feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to care for

themselves while caring for everyone else. You might be wondering why life doesn’t feel better

or why you keep putting your own needs last. These experiences are more common than most

people realize, and they can take a real toll on your mind and body.

As someone with lived experience, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate

relationships, identity, stress, and the expectations placed on us. My approach to therapy is

integrative and person‐centered, grounded in your needs, preferences, and cultural worldview. I

believe therapy should feel like a space where you can breathe, reflect, and reconnect with

yourself.

Whether online or in person, I work to create a supportive environment where you can explore

concerns related to relationships, gender, trauma, grief, identity, and life transitions. My goal is to

help you cultivate greater clarity, resilience, and overall wellness because living a better life

shouldn’t feel out of reach.

• 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.

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.

Life's challenges—whether anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, or questions of meaning and identity—can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate them alone.

Whether you're facing a specific challenge or seeking deeper personal understanding, I'm here to walk alongside you with warmth, respect, compassion honesty and hope.

You deserve support that honors your whole self—your story, your values, and your potential. Ready to take the first step? I invite you to reach out and begin your journey toward greater well-being and authenticity.

As a licensed counselor with a PhD in Counseling and Counselor Supervision, I bring both over 25 years’ experience, expertise and genuine compassion to my work with adults, couples, families, and older adults.

I have published and presented locally, regionally, nationally and internationally on various counseling areas and since I also teach I am current on research in the field of mental health counseling.

I specialize in supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship concerns, existential questions, and the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and those exploring alternative lifestyles of any Kind.

Dr. Joe McSpillman