(she/her)
New to Grow
I’m a Native Hawaiian LGBTQ+ trauma-informed therapist licensed in the state of Colorado and Arizona with afternoon and weekend availability, who works with adolescents and adults navigating stress, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is grounded in connection, resilience, and cultural humility. I bring both clinical training and the values of my cultural background into my work, creating a space that honors your experiences, identity, and story. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel understood and begin to make sense of your experiences. My goal is to help you build insight, strengthening emotional resilience, and moving toward a more balanced and meaningful life.
In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and creating a space where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. I’ll ask questions to understand your current concerns, your background, and what’s bringing you to therapy now. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say, this is a space for you. We’ll also talk about your goals and what you’d like to get out of therapy and begin identifying ways I can support you. My aim is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and with a clearer sense of direction.
My work is rooted in trauma-informed care and shaped by both evidence-based practices and cultural values. I focus on helping clients understand how their experiences have shaped them while building practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and growth. Values that guide my work include: Alu Like i ka Hana - working collaboratively in alignment with your goals Ho‘onui i ka ‘Ike - supporting growth and trust in your capacity to heal Kūlia i ka Nu‘u - striving toward your highest potential with intention and care I’m known for creating a space that feels both supportive and honest, where you can feel safe to be vulnerable while also being gently challenged to grow. My work is especially meaningful when supporting individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or impacted by past experiences. I am passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. I believe therapy should honor the whole person: your story, your culture, your strengths, and your potential. It’s a privilege to walk alongside clients as they heal, grow, and create lasting change in their lives.
I work best with individuals impacted by trauma, especially when it shows up in relationships, emotional regulation, or parenting. Presenting problems include: Emotional dysregulation (anger, shutdown, anxiety) Relationship struggles (conflict, disconnection, trust issues) Parenting challenges (reactivity, guilt, confusion about what works) Trauma symptoms (hypervigilance, avoidance, shame) A sense of loss....of childhood, safety, identity, or connection I work best with those who are: Open to reflection, even if it’s uncomfortable Willing to consider that their current patterns have deeper roots Interested in learning (they engage well with psychoeducation and structured material) Motivated by meaningful change, not just symptom relief Able to tolerate some emotional depth with support
EMDR
I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as a psychotherapy approach to help clients process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences. I understand that some memories (especially traumatic ones) can become “stuck” in the brain in a way that keeps them emotionally intense and disruptive. I use bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping, while you briefly focus on these memories to support the brain in reprocessing the experience so it becomes less distressing and more fully integrated, similar to how other memories are stored. Additionally, I incorporate Phase 1 and Phase 2 of EMDR into my everyday work to support stabilization and resourcing, helping clients build coping skills, strengthen internal and external resources, and develop a greater sense of safety and emotional regulation even if we are not doing EMDR.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing as a collaborative, evidence-based approach to help clients explore mixed feelings about change. Rather than directing or pressuring, I work with you to uncover your own motivations, build confidence, and move at a pace that feels right for you.
Trauma Informed Care
I practice Trauma-Informed Care by recognizing the impact of past experiences on present-day challenges. I prioritize safety, collaboration, and choice in our work together, ensuring that you feel respected, in control, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy as a practical, goal-oriented approach to help you build on your strengths and create meaningful change. I focus on what’s already working rather than staying stuck in problems, and I collaborate with you to take small, effective steps toward the life you want.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a structured, skills-based approach to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and develop practical coping strategies that support lasting change, while integrating trauma-informed and relational perspectives to meet each client’s unique needs.