Xplor LGBTQIA+

LCSW

Alison Matsumoto-Kong

LCSW

Amanda Courter

Amanda has 24 years of experience in Clinical Social Work and still loves it! She specializes in several areas, including anxiety, depression, criminal behavior, and abuse (verbal, physical, and/or sexual). Amanda also has an expertise in eating disorders, ranging from anorexia and binge purge symptoms to clients considering bariatric surgery.

Amanda comes from a place of non-judgment and compassion and helps her clients by drawing on their strengths and resilience. She believes that all of us have what it takes to heal, especially if the right support is provided.

Amanda uses client-centered, solution-focused therapy with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has BA in Psychology, a Masters Degree in Social Work, and a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Practice from La Trobe University Australia.

She is a member of the NASW, AED – Academy of Eating Disorders and IAED Foundation, International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals.

LCSW, CSAC

Chloe Stewart

Chloe Stewart is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) who primarily works with individuals navigating mood disorders, trauma, and substance use disorders. Chloe’s approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for her clients’ lived experiences. In sessions, Chloe shows up authentically, creating a relaxed, dynamic, and conversational atmosphere where clients can speak freely without fear of judgment. She works from a Humanistic framework to establish a strong therapeutic alliance, integrating evidence-based approaches (including Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, and mindfulness-based therapies) based on an individual’s unique goals, strengths, and preferences.

With years of experience in community-based mental health, harm reduction, and substance use treatment settings, Chloe has had the privilege of supporting individuals with complex needs and layered identities—including those living with serious mental illness, histories of trauma, houselessness, poverty, and/or justice involvement. She is committed to providing an inclusive, non-pathologizing, affirming therapeutic environment for her clients, particularly for those who have felt marginalized or stigmatized in the past. Her clients often describe feeling genuinely heard, supported, and cared for in their work together.

Choosing a therapist is an incredibly personal decision – if you’re seeking someone who listens with compassion and walks beside you in your process, Chloe would be honored to meet you.

LMHC, CSAC

Cierra Yoshikawa

LMFT

Elisa Sapienza

Elisa Sapienza is a bilingual (Spanish) Therapist with more than 25 years experience providing therapy and counseling for children, adults, couples, families and groups in schools, clinics, nonprofits, military installations, telemedicine platforms and private practice. She earned her Masters Degree in Psychology (with a Concentration in Drama Therapy) from The California Institute of Integral Studies in 1997 and her Licenses in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2002 (California) and in 2023 (Hawaii). Her experience and areas of expertise include Child Therapy, Early Childhood Mental Health, Domestic Violence, parenting support, relationship and family issues, trauma and mood disorders.

Elisa provides a safe and accepting space for clients work through and manage stressors and life challenges. She has worked with and welcomes clients of all ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientaions, as well as diverse abilities, and cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

LCSW

Johanna Ancheta

At the core of her work, Nana believes that individuals of all identities and abilities deserve equitable access to affirming, trauma-informed spaces. She partners with families and communities to build resilience by reclaiming the joy in lost practices and developing tools to cultivate a strong foundation for all members to thrive. The goal is an adventure toward one’s genuine voice, making meaningful connections, and (re)discovering their sense of self.

Nana integrates an anti-oppressive, experiential approach to therapy, enhancing her training in TF-CBT and Child-Parent Psychotherapy. While she specializes in trauma work with children and youth (ages 2-15), migrants/refugees, and survivors of sexual assault/abuse, she also has experience working with adult survivors of childhood trauma, SOGIE+ individuals seeking affirming medical care, transracial adoptees, and emerging adults (ages 16-25) resisting the pressures of hustle culture.

Nana views rest as an act of radical healing; thus, she balances her time with quiet pursuits like swimming, rearranging furniture, reading manga, painting, and cutting fruit.

LMHC, CSAC, CCMHC

Joseph Hakim

Joseph Hakim, LMHC, CSAC, CCMHC is a big Canadian living in Hawaii with an even bigger heart, and he is ready to help you. Joseph understands that the decision to enter therapy is not always easy and strives to ensure a comfortable casual entry into counseling.

Joseph brings with him several years of experience in clinical mental health in which he provides a judgment free environment so that clients can feel comfortable enough to open up and share their story without worry.

Joseph has worked with a diverse demographic with people from all walks of life, and can offer insight and treatment for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, trauma, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, stress, and substance abuse.

Through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and more; Joseph works with his clients to help them achieve the goals that they strive to achieve in counseling through custom tailored treatment plans.

MA, LMFT

Kristy Anderson

Kristy Anderson, M.A., LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. She believes you have everything you need within you to grow and heal even though at times it might not feel like it. You are not alone in this journey. Reaching out can help you rediscover your innate health and offer perspectives not previously considered. Whether you are going through life stressors, mental health challenges, trying to get unstuck from a current situation, or finding the courage to achieve your dreams, the path of therapy and self-knowledge can help you find your way back home.

Kristy has experience working with anxiety, depression, life transitions, parenting, play therapy, addictive behaviors, abuse, relationship issues, trauma, mindfulness training, caregivers, those with health challenges, as well as encouraging self-discovery to live your special one-of-a-kind authentic life. Her approach is kind, warm, collaborative, supportive, and focused on each client’s individual needs. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral, humanistic-existential, psychodynamic, and solution-based modalities. Her style is directive, engaging and helps find humor even in the most difficult of moments. We really are all in this together.

LMHC

Minako Rosala

Minako Rosala, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 25 years of experience serving the people of Hawai‘I as a mental health professional. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of clinical and community settings, including Diamond Head Community Mental Health Center, the Hawai‘i State Crisis Line, the Hawai‘i State DOH Adult Mental Health Division, Hawai‘i State Hospital, UnitedHealthcare, Carelon Behavioral Health (HMSA), and, most recently, the Hawai‘i State DOH Developmental Disabilities Division.

Minako has extensive experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, dual diagnoses, and relationship challenges.

Fluent in both Japanese (native) and English, Minako provides bilingual and culturally sensitive counseling, including cross-cultural therapy for couples.

Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and collaborative, with treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique needs and preferences. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and other evidence-based modalities to support healing, growth, and overall well-being.

ロサラ美奈子（Minako Rosala, LMHC） は、ハワイで25年にわたりメンタルヘルスのプロフェッショナルとして活動してきました。 これまで、ダイアモンドヘッド・コミュニティ・メンタルヘルスセンター、ハワイ州クライシスライン、ハワイ州保健局成人メンタルヘルス課、ハワイ州立病院、ユナイテッドヘルスケア、ケアロン（HMSA）、そして最近ではハワイ州保健局発達障害課など、多様な臨床・地域機関で経験を積んできました。

また重度かつ持続的な精神疾患（SPMI）、依存症、うつ、不安、トラウマ、二重診断（精神疾患と依存症の併発）、および人間関係の問題を抱える方々への支援に豊富な経験を有しています。

日本語(ネイティブ)と英語のバイリンガルで文化の違いを重視したカウンセリングを提供しています。国際結婚や異文化間のカップルに対するクロスカルチュラル・セラピーにも対応しています。また留学やハワイでの受験の悩みの相談にも対応しています。

カウンセリングのアプローチはクライアント中心で協働的です。一人ひとりのニーズや希望に合わせた治療計画を立て、認知行動療法（CBT）、解決志向療法、対人関係療法、その他のエビデンスに基づいた手法を組み合わせて、回復と成長、そして心の健康の向上をサポートします。

PsyD

Nicole Gonowon

Dr. Nicole Gonown, PsyD, has experience supporting individuals living and struggling with a range of personal development and mental health issues such as: depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship issues, trauma, suicidality, grief and loss, and life transitions. She is poly-affirming, kink-aware, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and is committed to aligning myself with values of harm reduction. It would be her privilege to have the opportunity to work with you as you navigate life’s challenges.

Moving through life when distressed or feeling stuck can be an arduous task. Please know that you don’t have to be alone. Allow Dr. Gonowon to support you on this journey. By seeking help, you are already on your way towards growth and healing.

Quite often we search for answers and fulfillment outside of ourselves when, in fact, those things are often locked within us. It can be difficult to access those truths when dealing with so many other demands in life and past struggles. Dr. Gonowon’s goal is to create a safe, grounded, non-judgmental, and affirming environment so that those issues that disrupt daily life can be explored and challenged. Dr. Gonowon will regard you as the expert on your own experiences, to both learn more about what it is like to be you and identify what more you want for yourself.

PhD

Nicole Knapp

Dr. Nicole Knapp, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who enjoys working individually with adults who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in relationships, and various life stages. She has experience in a variety of settings, including college campuses, private practice, outpatient hospital, and the VA.

Nicole was also trained through the VA to use Cognitive Processing Therapy for variety of traumas including childhood, sexual, and combat. In session, Nicole provides a client-centered environment that is nonjudgmental and challenges the client in moving toward their goals.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with family, hiking around Oahu, and reading the latest book she’s grabbed from her never ending TBR.

LMHC, CSAC

Robert Locklear

LCSW

Sandra Bunnell

Sandra Bunnell, LCSW, has deep local roots in Hawai’i with a love for its culture, history and people. She is a therapist with 15 years of experience working with children with Autism, ADHD, and behavior needs. She utilizes a child-centered, strengths-based approach that incorporates evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. She enjoys focusing on fostering emotional regulation, through grounding and breath-work.

Play is key to healing for most children. She enjoys integrating play-based approaches and expressive arts into her sessions, blending play with talk therapy to enhance engagement and self-expression.

Sandra is warm, empathetic and guides with gentle words of encouragement. She believes that perspective is powerful, how we choose to view life influences the we experience it. She can assist you in feeling empowered though helping you to reframe thinking and behavior. She looks forward to partnering with you on your journey!

LMFT

Thomas Coffin

Thomas Coffin, LMFT, specializes in working with individuals navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, stress management, and personal growth. He takes a client-centered, collaborative approach and provides a safe, supportive environment where you can focus on your needs and goals without fear of judgement. Thomas uses various therapies that provide the opportunity to explore the thoughts and feelings that impact daily life. He will assist you in recognizing your capacity for growth and self-healing. Progress toward your goals will be his main focus, and together you will take the steps to make it happen.

Thomas was raised to always be willing to help those in need, which naturally led him to this work. He has worked in the mental health field assisting at-risk youth, adults, and others in the community. He has come to realize that everyone needs someone willing to come alongside them in their time of need.

Making the decision to start therapy is a big step in the right direction. Thomas is ready to join you in beginning your journey.