Couples therapists in Hawaii

My approach to psychotherapy is always client centered with an emphasis on the clients focus and areas they wish to address. I have worked in counseling and psychotherapy for 38 years in hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms and private practice and have created, developed and been clinical director for many Intensive Outpatient Programs for Mental Health & Dual Diagnosis.

Getting people past anxiety disorders is a passion of mine andI specialize in anxiety and sports performance anxiety and all forms of addictions. I work with teenagers and young adults dealing with academic, sports and achievement areas.

I work with parents and adults on healthy launching and individuation of their children. With the ever emerging world of technology and media I work with individuals on Video Gaming Addiction, Internet Addiction and Pornography Addiction and poor regulation of screen time which leads to depressed mood, anxiety and poor productivity especially in younger people.

I currently accept individual adult clients only through Headway. I do not provide couples or family therapy through this platform at this time.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and LGBTQ+ clients seeking deeper self-understanding, emotional healing, and more connected relationships. My approach is warm, relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that healing happens through safety, honesty, and meaningful connection.

I specialize in relationship therapy, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, attachment wounds, complex trauma, and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy. I also support clients navigating life transitions, grief, shame, self-worth, communication challenges, and patterns that keep them feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves and others.

My work draws from Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems, somatic awareness, humanistic and existential therapy, and trauma-informed care. I help clients slow down, listen inward, understand their patterns, and develop more compassionate and empowered ways of relating.

As a queer-affirming therapist, I am especially passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ clients and relationships. I strive to create a space where clients can bring their full selves—without judgment—and explore healing in a way that honors their identities, histories, relationships, spirituality, and lived experience.

Aloha and welcome! Do you feel like you’re constantly carrying the weight of your past, or perhaps you’re struggling to navigate a difficult life transition? It can be exhausting to feel "stuck" in cycles of anxiety or trauma. I believe that you deserve a space where you feel truly seen and heard. Together, we will work to peel back the layers of these challenges, helping you find clarity and relief. My goal is to help you reconnect with your inner strength so you can move forward with a sense of peace and purpose. You don't have to carry this alone anymore.

I'm someone who values change, growth, and new experiences, which is what brought me from Connecticut to Hawaii several years ago. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut (UCONN) in 2016, building upon a Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a Psychology minor. My career has included working at Yale New Haven Hospital in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and with individuals living with severe mental illness across geriatric, adolescent, and adult psychiatric units. I have also provided hospice support for individuals and families navigating palliative care and end-of-life concerns. Currently, I work as an outpatient Clinician supporting mental health for Veterans.

I became a therapist because I have a genuine desire to help people. I have appreciated having the opportunity to help individuals move toward relief, gain clarity, recognize their strengths and navigate life transitions with greater confidence and support.

It's not easy starting therapy and investing time in yourself, but you've already done the first step! My experience has primarily been focused in clients with eating disorders and co-occurring diagnoses. With that said, I also have extensive experience working with relationship challenges, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality. I generally like to pull from my knowledge of various therapy modalities such as DBT, CBT, FBT and EFFT. I also really enjoy self-compassion work. Your goals are always my top priority, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy live music, spending time with friends, and hanging out with my dogs, Nala and Toni. These personal interests help me stay grounded and bring balance to my life, which I believe is crucial for overall well-being.

If you're ready to take the next step, I'm here to help you navigate your journey towards healing and growth. Let's work together to achieve your goals!

I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years and have been a licensed mental health counselor and Doctor of Clinical Psychology for 12 years. Additionally, I have collaborated with clients of all ages, cultures, Nationalities and from all social classes dealing with a wide range of issues. My experience is vast as I have worked with the following: neuro-psychiatric, suicidal ideation/attempts, LGBTQIA, PTSD, anger management, grief/loss, trauma, abuse, relationship issues, school counseling, juvenile justice, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, personality disorders, domestic violence, crisis intervention, codependency, and group/family/individual therapy.

Aloha! It is my firm belief for everyone to find the right therapist that fits them in order to be comfortable and empowered to be their best version of self. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am committed to helping my clients navigate through relational issues, communication approaches, understanding and coping with how ADHD impact their everyday life, and deal with stress or anxiety from significant life changes or events.

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.