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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Hypnotherapist specializing in individual, couples and family psychotherapy, maintaining a private practice in Hilo, Hawaii.

With over thirty years experience as a clinician, I specialize in cognitive, solution-focused therapy.

 

Specialties

 

  • Women’s Issues

  • Childhood Issues

  • End of Life Issues and Grief Work

  • Personal and Career Development

  • Depression and Anxiety

  • Sex Abuse Recovery

  • Hypno-Behavioral Therapy

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

 

Areas of Interest

 

  • Panic Disorder

  • Stress – Work and Personal

  • Personal Growth and Development

  • Marital Therapy

  • Divorce Therapy

  • Parenting Stress

  • Recovery from Past Trauma

  • Motivation and Interpersonal Success

  • Loss and Recovery

 

 

My Treatment Approach

 

As a therapist my aim is to provide support and practical feedback to facilitate clients to resolve current problems and long-standing patterns.  Incorporating a blend of conventional and alternative approaches,  I draw upon a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client.  I tailor a suitable therapy program based on the most effective emperically based treatment approach for each individual’s need. I work with each client to help them build on their strengths to identify and achieve their stated goal.

 

Mediating and empowering people has flowed through my being since a little girl.  I remember entering my mother and father’s bedroom while they were arguing.  I was told it wasn’t my business.  I asserted, “you are my mom and you are my dad!” I look back now and wonder where did I draw my authority from and how did I have the nerve to talk so boldly to my parents!

 

I believe that I continue the healing that has already begun in the lives of the people I see.  I like to be collaborative rather than directive. I believe each problem has a creative solution.  I am honored to witness the growth, development and improvement in the quality of living of hundreds of clients through the years.

 

Education

 

  • Medical Intuitive Training, 2006

  • Myers Briggs Type Indicator Training, Raleigh, NC, 2003

  • Accelerated Hypnotherapy Certification, 1996

  • Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, 1982

  • Masters in Social Work, UH Manoa, Hawaii, 1982

  • B.A. in Sociology, UH Manoa, Hawaii 1974

 

Awards

 

Designed, developed and directed  a respite care program based in a church community which provided free childcare for children from ages 6 weeks to age 5.  This program was state licensed and run by trained men and women volunteers.  This program, named The Family Care Center, served as a child abuse prevention program.  It allowed parents to drop off their children and seek the needed respite to do their laundry, nap, keep their scheduled doctor’s appointments or whatever they needed, to refresh and destress themselves.  Individual counseling was provided to parents.  This program was awarded “The Creative Ministry Award” in 1997.

 

Professional Affiliations

 

Current Member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers)

American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work, Board Certified Diplomate

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