LGBT Therapy

The percentage of people in Hawaii who identify as LGBT at 5.1% is higher than that of any other state in the country. The national average is 3.5%. This doesn't mean things are all bright and cheery in the Aloha State. Bullying is still an issue in our schools but the legislature has failed to passed anti-bullying legislation. In addition, though a law banning conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, was passed by the Hawaii Senate in 2016, it ultimately failed to pass through the Hawaii House of Representatives.

So, being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender- or gender queer, agender, gender nonconforming, or non-binary, etc.- continues to be a struggle for many here in Honolulu and Hawaii. Not only do we have to deal with discrimination from society in general, although it's getting better every year, more importantly LGBT individuals deal with internalized homophobia and toxic shame.

These internal issues lead to higher levels of depression, addictions, suicide and other mental health problems. It’s unfortunate that even though in 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, many people in the larger community continue to ostracize and hold distain for LGBT individuals. Yes, same-sex marriage was signed into law here in Hawaii on November 13, 2013 yet many continue to suffer psychologically.

There is help. As an LGBT-affirming/LGBT-friendly psychologist in Honolulu I have been able to assist many individuals struggling with their orientation,gender identity and a range of other psychological conditions. In fact, I’ve been working with individuals and couples in the LGBT community here in Hawaii for over 15 years. So, whatever your orientation and whatever your gender and whether you are an individual or a couple here in Honolulu or anywhere on the island of Oahu I'd be happy to help you with any psychological challenges you may have. Please feel free to contact me!