LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in 96720
Robert Storey
Psychologist, EdD, LP
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
Dr. Robert Storey obtained his B.A. in Liberal Arts at Washington and Lee University as a Philosophy major, minoring in Sociology. He obtained a Masters in Guidance and Psychological Services at Springfield College and was awarded his Doctorate in Educational Psychology ( Ed.D) while studying at American International University. He began his clinical internship in 1986 under the auspices of distinguished Dr. Frank Sacco, a protege of Karl Menninger with tutelage by Anna Freud. Dr. Sacco came from a long lineage of psychodynamic pioneers and Dr. Storey was privileged to be part of this tradition of groundbreaking psychologists.
Dr. Robert Storey obtained his B.A. in Liberal Arts at Washington and Lee University as a Philosophy major, minoring in Sociology. He obtained a Masters in Guidance and Psychological Services at Springfield College and was awarded his Doctorate in Educational Psychology ( Ed.D) while studying at American International University. He began his clinical internship in 1986 under the auspices of distinguished Dr. Frank Sacco, a protege of Karl Menninger with tutelage by Anna Freud. Dr. Sacco came from a long lineage of psychodynamic pioneers and Dr. Storey was privileged to be part of this tradition of groundbreaking psychologists.
Kristina Poulos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hilo, HI 96720
Not accepting new clients
I have always been humbled by this profession and the incredible gift of being a guest in someone's journey of self-discovery. Life is filled with many obstacles that often come in some form of pain; emotional, physical, existential, etc. and if we are willing to listen and be in its presence, we will hear it speak gently but clearly of the pieces of ourselves to keep, the pieces to improve and the pieces to let go of. As Ryan Holiday so greatly states "The Obstacle is the Way." If you are looking for someone to walk alongside you as you find your way, I would be honored to meet you.
I have always been humbled by this profession and the incredible gift of being a guest in someone's journey of self-discovery. Life is filled with many obstacles that often come in some form of pain; emotional, physical, existential, etc. and if we are willing to listen and be in its presence, we will hear it speak gently but clearly of the pieces of ourselves to keep, the pieces to improve and the pieces to let go of. As Ryan Holiday so greatly states "The Obstacle is the Way." If you are looking for someone to walk alongside you as you find your way, I would be honored to meet you.
Malama Trauma Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
Do you feel anxiety, depression, relational stress, grief, loss, & are searching for meaning, purpose, identity, hope, & fullest potential? Trauma can shake us to our core and challenge the way we think and feel about ourselves and the world around us. Together we will collaborate on a compassionate therapeutic plan to understand how your coping skills have protected you, develop new skills, and embrace self-acceptance even as we grow. I also offer therapeutic harp music for relaxation and mindfulness practice if desired! I hope to assist you discover the gifts in your suffering and see yourself in a new light!
Do you feel anxiety, depression, relational stress, grief, loss, & are searching for meaning, purpose, identity, hope, & fullest potential? Trauma can shake us to our core and challenge the way we think and feel about ourselves and the world around us. Together we will collaborate on a compassionate therapeutic plan to understand how your coping skills have protected you, develop new skills, and embrace self-acceptance even as we grow. I also offer therapeutic harp music for relaxation and mindfulness practice if desired! I hope to assist you discover the gifts in your suffering and see yourself in a new light!
Christine Park
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, NCC, CMP, REAT
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
As a counselor, I embody a strengths-based and person-centered. I believe in fostering genuine connections and cultivating resilience within individuals. Each person possesses inherent strengths waiting to be unearthed, and my role is to provide a safe and supportive space for this exploration. Informed by the spirit of aloha, I prioritize building trust and creating a sense of belonging. I recognize the importance of cultural identity and honor the diverse backgrounds of those I work with.
As a counselor, I embody a strengths-based and person-centered. I believe in fostering genuine connections and cultivating resilience within individuals. Each person possesses inherent strengths waiting to be unearthed, and my role is to provide a safe and supportive space for this exploration. Informed by the spirit of aloha, I prioritize building trust and creating a sense of belonging. I recognize the importance of cultural identity and honor the diverse backgrounds of those I work with.
Amanda L. Hess
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSc, LMFT, LMHC, CGT, MBACP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
Thank you for considering Second City Counseling Services (SCCS) to address your relationship needs. We specialize in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT), an evidence-based therapeutic approach with over 50 years of research supporting it. GMCT focuses on three primary goals to improve relationships: 1. Enrich the friendship and respect in your relationship 2. Manage conflict with empathy and greater self-awareness 3. Honor the dreams you have, your partner has, and the dreams you share for your relationship.
Thank you for considering Second City Counseling Services (SCCS) to address your relationship needs. We specialize in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT), an evidence-based therapeutic approach with over 50 years of research supporting it. GMCT focuses on three primary goals to improve relationships: 1. Enrich the friendship and respect in your relationship 2. Manage conflict with empathy and greater self-awareness 3. Honor the dreams you have, your partner has, and the dreams you share for your relationship.
Kevin Wittenberg, Psychologist and Psychoanalyst
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
Our capacity to connect, both with ourselves (i.e. our passions, feelings, and body) and with others, is crucial to our feelings of well-being. When we connect, we generally feel a sense of aliveness in ourselves and the world. When we can't connect, we feel anxious, isolated, empty, or depressed. I feel my job is to help clients to more fully connect to the range of their experiences. I help adults and adolescents explore why they lose connection. I help them identify, understand, and overcome the deep root of their disconnection. I help them find well-being, which gives me great joy.
Our capacity to connect, both with ourselves (i.e. our passions, feelings, and body) and with others, is crucial to our feelings of well-being. When we connect, we generally feel a sense of aliveness in ourselves and the world. When we can't connect, we feel anxious, isolated, empty, or depressed. I feel my job is to help clients to more fully connect to the range of their experiences. I help adults and adolescents explore why they lose connection. I help them identify, understand, and overcome the deep root of their disconnection. I help them find well-being, which gives me great joy.
Matthew Johnson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
Matthew Johnson, MS, recently graduated with his Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Spring 2021. Utilizing approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the up and coming concept of Geek Therapy, Matthew's goal is to remotely help individuals, couples, and families in the community while obtaining his LMHC license in Hawaii. Matthew has experience providing counseling services in group and individual settings for depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and family issues.
Matthew Johnson, MS, recently graduated with his Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Spring 2021. Utilizing approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the up and coming concept of Geek Therapy, Matthew's goal is to remotely help individuals, couples, and families in the community while obtaining his LMHC license in Hawaii. Matthew has experience providing counseling services in group and individual settings for depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and family issues.
Petra Parvati Meedt
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MA, MS
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
Petra Parvati Meedt, MS, MA is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern offering telehealth therapy for individuals, couples, and families in English and Spanish. Additionally, to being a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in Hawaii, she is a licensed psychologist in Puerto Rico, Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) in Texas, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist and certified Yoga Teacher. Her professional training includes a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the Interamerican University, Puerto Rico, specialized in Family therapy and a second master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Freiburg in Germany.
Petra Parvati Meedt, MS, MA is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern offering telehealth therapy for individuals, couples, and families in English and Spanish. Additionally, to being a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in Hawaii, she is a licensed psychologist in Puerto Rico, Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) in Texas, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist and certified Yoga Teacher. Her professional training includes a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the Interamerican University, Puerto Rico, specialized in Family therapy and a second master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Freiburg in Germany.
Damien Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
I believe that beneath every symptom that creates our suffering is a wise, healthy, and whole Self yearning to break free of old shackles and guide us home to the person we are meant to be. In this way, I help clients to reconceptualize their issues as road signs that are guiding them on their path of healing; just the same way that physical symptoms like a fever or ache directs us to an ailment that needs addressing, so too do psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, or addictions, point to a deeper underlying wound that is calling to be healed. Our goal is to not simply survive, but thrive.
I believe that beneath every symptom that creates our suffering is a wise, healthy, and whole Self yearning to break free of old shackles and guide us home to the person we are meant to be. In this way, I help clients to reconceptualize their issues as road signs that are guiding them on their path of healing; just the same way that physical symptoms like a fever or ache directs us to an ailment that needs addressing, so too do psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, or addictions, point to a deeper underlying wound that is calling to be healed. Our goal is to not simply survive, but thrive.
Eric J Wolf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MSEd
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
I love my job. I doesn't feel like one. There is so little work involved. What do I do? I deal in dreams to the lost. I find light in a dark places. I frame what I can. Sometimes I bury the past What is this work you speak of? Well - sometimes there is no work involved. Just a rambling old storyteller I remember the write story I deconstruct an old one I play Uno and Chess for a living. I bring laughter to serious people. I am a therapist.
I love my job. I doesn't feel like one. There is so little work involved. What do I do? I deal in dreams to the lost. I find light in a dark places. I frame what I can. Sometimes I bury the past What is this work you speak of? Well - sometimes there is no work involved. Just a rambling old storyteller I remember the write story I deconstruct an old one I play Uno and Chess for a living. I bring laughter to serious people. I am a therapist.
Malgorzata Krepps
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
People use therapy to help change themselves or deal with life challenges. Oftentimes, therapy may involve revealing significant parts of ourselves, our relationships, or life circumstances. Therapy can help reduce or alleviate problems to help us live more fulfilling lives. Therapy is a partnership between you and me. Together, we identify the goals of your treatment, we work on skills, and we resolve to improve ourselves and our life conditions. I believe there are various ways to approach issues. My experience and belief is that many of our life’s challenges and pains stem from the way we think about ourselves and the world.
People use therapy to help change themselves or deal with life challenges. Oftentimes, therapy may involve revealing significant parts of ourselves, our relationships, or life circumstances. Therapy can help reduce or alleviate problems to help us live more fulfilling lives. Therapy is a partnership between you and me. Together, we identify the goals of your treatment, we work on skills, and we resolve to improve ourselves and our life conditions. I believe there are various ways to approach issues. My experience and belief is that many of our life’s challenges and pains stem from the way we think about ourselves and the world.
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Dr. Steve
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha :) Currently accepting new Kaiser Permanente and HMSA clients. I welcome individuals of all backgrounds and life experiences into this shared work. I provide professional therapeutic services to couples, families, individual adults, adolescents, and children addressing a range of clinical issues. I honor wherever you are on your journey and believe in cultivating space, and curiosity as we navigate this path together. I believe that understanding and compassion are vital for building trust, mutual respect, and openness, all of which are essential in forming a therapeutic relationship that can encourage change.
Aloha :) Currently accepting new Kaiser Permanente and HMSA clients. I welcome individuals of all backgrounds and life experiences into this shared work. I provide professional therapeutic services to couples, families, individual adults, adolescents, and children addressing a range of clinical issues. I honor wherever you are on your journey and believe in cultivating space, and curiosity as we navigate this path together. I believe that understanding and compassion are vital for building trust, mutual respect, and openness, all of which are essential in forming a therapeutic relationship that can encourage change.
Alex Stitt
Counselor, LMHC, LGBTQ+
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
Waitlist for new clients
As a trauma-informed Queer Counselor I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, consensual nonmonogamy, and sex-positive lifestyles.
Warm, heartfelt, and open minded, I love helping people embrace their authenticity and work towards their goals. I believe therapy needs to balance deep introspection with practical solutions, so if you find yourself exploring your identity, your relationships, or your direction in life, let’s have a chat. Maybe its time to retrace your steps, or question the crossroad, or blaze a new trail, or rest a while. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll meet you where you're at.
As a trauma-informed Queer Counselor I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, consensual nonmonogamy, and sex-positive lifestyles.
Warm, heartfelt, and open minded, I love helping people embrace their authenticity and work towards their goals. I believe therapy needs to balance deep introspection with practical solutions, so if you find yourself exploring your identity, your relationships, or your direction in life, let’s have a chat. Maybe its time to retrace your steps, or question the crossroad, or blaze a new trail, or rest a while. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll meet you where you're at.
Dr. Deepa Ram-Souza
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
Hello! When was the last time you looked into the mirror and the eyes staring back felt appreciated, seen, and heard? Most people spend years chasing after a cure for that pain - in therapy offices, churches, temples, gyms, bars, malls, and plastic surgery recovery rooms. Would you believe me if I told you there is no such cure and you certainly won’t find it in those locations, even if it existed? Would you be annoyed if I asked you to instead embrace that pain? Rather than curing it, I encourage my clients to harness its energy and make it purposeful. I am happy to report there is a method to the madness of embracing pain.
Hello! When was the last time you looked into the mirror and the eyes staring back felt appreciated, seen, and heard? Most people spend years chasing after a cure for that pain - in therapy offices, churches, temples, gyms, bars, malls, and plastic surgery recovery rooms. Would you believe me if I told you there is no such cure and you certainly won’t find it in those locations, even if it existed? Would you be annoyed if I asked you to instead embrace that pain? Rather than curing it, I encourage my clients to harness its energy and make it purposeful. I am happy to report there is a method to the madness of embracing pain.
Makana Meheula
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720 (Online Only)
Successful therapy begins with finding a therapist you feel comfortable with. My approach to therapy is warm, empathic, and hopeful. Clients are the experts of their lives and they will determine the direction and depth of their healing. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where people can share their stories and develop a deeper understanding of feelings, thoughts, patterns, and challenges. I have a passion for helping others understand their strengths, overcome personal obstacles, move towards wholeness, and thrive.
Successful therapy begins with finding a therapist you feel comfortable with. My approach to therapy is warm, empathic, and hopeful. Clients are the experts of their lives and they will determine the direction and depth of their healing. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where people can share their stories and develop a deeper understanding of feelings, thoughts, patterns, and challenges. I have a passion for helping others understand their strengths, overcome personal obstacles, move towards wholeness, and thrive.
Alicia Sunflower
MS
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
Do you have complex relational trauma? Have you found regular talk therapy ineffective? Are you longing for a therapist who understands your spirituality & actively weaves multidimensional views of spirituality & consciousness into therapy? Are you looking to integrate profound spiritual awakenings & psychedelic experiences on both a psycho-spiritual & embodied level? Are you feeling the call to deepen into your body and soul? How would your life be impacted by having a dedicated safe space for your healing & liberation that integrates trauma-informed care with shamanic practices, quantum healing, & ancestral-cultural awareness?
Do you have complex relational trauma? Have you found regular talk therapy ineffective? Are you longing for a therapist who understands your spirituality & actively weaves multidimensional views of spirituality & consciousness into therapy? Are you looking to integrate profound spiritual awakenings & psychedelic experiences on both a psycho-spiritual & embodied level? Are you feeling the call to deepen into your body and soul? How would your life be impacted by having a dedicated safe space for your healing & liberation that integrates trauma-informed care with shamanic practices, quantum healing, & ancestral-cultural awareness?
Daysi Cortes
Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
I place value in providing a safe, open, nonjudgemental, supportive space that encourages individuals to find their inner strengths, self-acceptance and build new skills necessary for healing and coping with future challenges and building resilience. Telling your story is an important part of healing. I look forward to listening and finding a place of wellness, self-acceptance & healing. I work with diverse clients of all ages experiencing various mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, relationship issues, and more. I also have a passion for working with children and teens.
I place value in providing a safe, open, nonjudgemental, supportive space that encourages individuals to find their inner strengths, self-acceptance and build new skills necessary for healing and coping with future challenges and building resilience. Telling your story is an important part of healing. I look forward to listening and finding a place of wellness, self-acceptance & healing. I work with diverse clients of all ages experiencing various mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, relationship issues, and more. I also have a passion for working with children and teens.
John Mascaro
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, OIX
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hilo, HI 96720
Not accepting new clients
I believe that each of us has the ability to achieve our highest potential despite whatever path life has taken us. We move forward despite the difficulties presented to us along the way. Sometimes along this path we are faced with circumstances that make it difficult to cope. There are times when childhood experiences, hurtful interactions with others or horrific events can interrupt our present day functioning to create stress in our day-to-day living. For these and many other reasons, we lose our way and find ourselves off-track from the path that could lead us to our highest and best selves.
I believe that each of us has the ability to achieve our highest potential despite whatever path life has taken us. We move forward despite the difficulties presented to us along the way. Sometimes along this path we are faced with circumstances that make it difficult to cope. There are times when childhood experiences, hurtful interactions with others or horrific events can interrupt our present day functioning to create stress in our day-to-day living. For these and many other reasons, we lose our way and find ourselves off-track from the path that could lead us to our highest and best selves.
Andrea Nila Negron
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
Andrea Nila Negron, MSW, LSW, received her Master’s degree from New Mexico State University. With a background in trauma-informed yoga and bodywork, she brings a psycho-spiritual approach to healing and wellness. She specializes in collaborating with individuals with attachment and developmental trauma using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), which integrates a cognitive and somatic approach to address the root causes of current life challenges. Nila also has experience supporting individuals in 12-step recovery work.
Andrea Nila Negron, MSW, LSW, received her Master’s degree from New Mexico State University. With a background in trauma-informed yoga and bodywork, she brings a psycho-spiritual approach to healing and wellness. She specializes in collaborating with individuals with attachment and developmental trauma using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), which integrates a cognitive and somatic approach to address the root causes of current life challenges. Nila also has experience supporting individuals in 12-step recovery work.
Tyra Gardner
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MEd
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
Tyra S. Gardner is a Psychotherapist and CEO of At A Moments Notice, LLC. Tyra is a passionate scholar-practitioner in the field of mental health, who divides her time between clinical practice, training and business consulting. In her clinical practice, she delivers cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based treatments to adults and adolescent clients with a range of emotional behavioral and adjustment problems including anger management, anxiety, stress, depression and relationship issues.
Tyra S. Gardner is a Psychotherapist and CEO of At A Moments Notice, LLC. Tyra is a passionate scholar-practitioner in the field of mental health, who divides her time between clinical practice, training and business consulting. In her clinical practice, she delivers cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based treatments to adults and adolescent clients with a range of emotional behavioral and adjustment problems including anger management, anxiety, stress, depression and relationship issues.
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LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.