About My Approach

My psychotherapy practice through Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii on Oahu is for adults, children, families and couples, using an integrative existential/humanistic approach. I have considerable expertise in helping people with anxiety and depression, self-esteem and codependence, abuse and trauma, and marriage, family, and relationship challenges. I also offer compassionate spiritual and practical guidance when needed, helping you find the right resources and support to get through difficult times.

Our work will incorporate different techniques when needed, using family systems, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral or other interventions. While working in the here-and-now, acknowledging problems from the past will also be important. Therapy is always grounded in understanding of basic human goodness, inner strength, and potential. Your therapy will be personal to you, designed to fit your own unique values and needs. You are my guide and the foremost expert on yourself, as we journey towards becoming the best you can be. I will always treat you with respect and help you to discover the answers that are right for you.

For those seeking specialized work with clergy and congregational care, my approach is ecumenical, using best practices, current scientific research, and thoughtful inquiry to support personal growth. I am available to give talks or workshops on various mental health subjects for clergy and congregations. Past topics for clergy include teaching pastoral counseling skills to clergy, grief counseling, the effect of gender stereotypes on pastoral care, active listening skills, and more. Let’s figure out the right topic for your needs together!
For those seeking psychological assessments for clergy, I have experience with Presbyterian, Episcopal, United Church of Christ, Metropolitan Community Church, Unitarian Universalist, United Methodist Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and others. I have also used tests with Buddhist clergy to increase awareness of personality styles, strengths, and differences.