Relationships | Balance | Change

Xplor Play Therapy

At Xplor Counseling, we take special care of our younger clients who may not be able to express their feelings or needs through traditional talk therapy. Instead, younger clients often benefit from Play Therapy, during which the therapist uses play as a tool to help children express their emotions, process experiences, understand their feelings, manage relationships, and build self-esteem.

If you’re interested in Play Therapy, please consider requesting one of the following providers:

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern
Napualani Yasuda

LMFT

Amy Yang

Amy Yang, LMFT believes that everyone is capable of overcoming challenges in life. While working with Amy, you’ll have a supportive and safe environment to share your stories and your experiences in a supportive, non-judgmental space.

Amy works in a creative and collaborative approach with you to make positive changes, and she believes that setting goals and maintaining a balance in life is part of the journey. Amy specializes in Expressive, Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Solution-Focused therapy. Over the years, Amy has worked with children and adolescents with Autism, ADHD, and other learning disabilities, military children and families, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, as well as those experiencing bereavement. Amy also speaks Cantonese and can service Cantonese-speaking clients.

Walking the path alone is not always easy. Let’s do this together!

LMFT

Chellina Okumura

Chellina Okumura, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Chellina integrates the elements of fun, play, and curiosity while fostering a safe, respectful, accepting, and non-judgmental environment. She believes in the therapeutic power of laughter and genuine enjoyment of the “present moment” as transformative tools that help us cope with life’s serious, stressful, and demanding aspects. Therapy is a process that involves teamwork, so I’d love the opportunity to work together with you to explore how we can build upon your existing strengths and resources toward personal growth, well-being, and happiness (whatever that looks like for you)!

Since everyone has their own individual needs, Chellina uses various therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She has experience in the following: anxiety, depression, grief, stress management, interpersonal conflicts, and self-care.

Chellina was born and raised in Hawaii and loves to spend her free time drawing, painting with watercolor, going to the beach, playing video games, and spending time with her family, friends, and fur baby.

LMHC

Cierra Yoshikawa

Cierra Yoshikawa, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who primarily works with children but has worked with people of all ages. She has worked with clients with a wide range of mental health and behavioral concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, and Autism.

Cierra believes everyone has the ability to heal and change when provided with the right environment. To do this, Cierra provides a compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment for counseling. Where clients are able to freely discuss their concerns and work through their struggles to build a solution and bring joy to their lives. Cierra tailors sessions to fit each of her client’s needs. She uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.

LMFT

David Gilbertson

David Gilbertson, LMFT, is a licensed therapist in Hawaii and has 40 years of professional experience working with adults, couples, and children. He has experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, addiction, relationship issues, infidelity, trauma and abuse, and depression.

David’s work with children and youth focuses on developing a trusting relationship so they can begin to resolve emotions and feelings often displayed through their behavior. He works with his clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared safely without fear of judgment.

It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. David is here to support and empower you in that journey.

PsyD

Dr. George Bergholz

Dr. George Bergholz has worked in the mental health field for more than thirty years and is a Post-Doctoral Fellow with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He is also a Board-Certified PTSD Clinician with the American Psychotherapy Association and has a specialization in Art Therapy. George has helped children, teenagers, adults and the elderly, providing meaningful Life Coaching for those who need guidance and support.

No matter what you are dealing with, either life stressors or goals you want to achieve, George find that everyone has the power within themselves to conquer obstacles and fulfill personal achievements. He believes that one can learn to harness that power within, when properly guided by a professional who can help you achieve your desired outcomes.

George enjoys helping adolescents develop a better self-image, a purpose in life, and a positive path ahead. This can be achieved through developing powerful skills for building self-confidence and motivation. He also focuses on relational issues, whether the focus is on personal or work relationships.

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.

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.

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Napualani Yasuda

Napualani Yasuda, MSCP, MFT-I, is a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving individuals, couples, and families of all ages.

From day one of working together, Napua aims to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where all participants feel accepted and understood for who they are and whatever they may be going through. She believes therapy works best when it is empowering and collaborative, and enjoys helping clients to discover new personal insights and translate them into real-life outcomes aligned with their needs and goals.

Napua works with clients facing a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, family/relationship issues, and stressful life transitions. She brings a blended approach of family systems, cognitive-behavioral, and attachment-based techniques to help us make sense of our past and present-day lives and take steps towards the desired future. When working with couples, Napua draws from Gottman Method Couples Therapy, a research-based approach for which she has received specialized training.

Outside of work, Napua enjoys listening to music, home organization and decluttering projects, and spending time in nature to recharge.

LMHC, CSAC

Robert Locklear

Robert Locklear, LMHC, CSAC specializes in working with individual adults who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship conflict, life transitions, career stumbling blocks, and substance abuse. He has an easygoing style and creates a space where you can be you, without judgement. It’s this kind of accepting demeanor that helps Robert’s clients thrive and grow.

Robert uses a collaborative and integrative style in his sessions, blending evidence-based perspectives with the needs of the client, and he allows the client’s needs to guide him forward. You will always find a listening ear, a knowledgeable base, and a professional outlook when you see Robert.

He’s excited to with you in overcoming and preserving through any negative challenging obstacles. As we increase your coping skills and ability to tolerate distress, you can have a healthier quality of life.

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!

Counselor

Sean Landau

Sean Landau is a counselor and psychotherapist with 10+ years of experience. Sean comes from an international background and has embedded a cross-cultural lens in delivering his services. Through fostering authentic, trusting, and supportive relationships, Sean provides the space for clients to collaborate in creating personalized strategies for maintaining a practice of sustained happiness and wellbeing.

While initially specializing in youth work, Sean has expanded his services to support adult individuals, couples and families. Sean has experience in a variety of settings including intensive residential outpatient settings, community mental health offices, schools, and private practices. He provides a person-centered approach, including motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, and other evidence-based therapies. Sean is grateful and honored to help clients feel understood, facilitate growth, and live with meaning.

LMFT

Sonja Cookman

Sonja Cookman, LMFT, believes in each individual’s resilience and ability to overcome the many unique and shared challenges and stressors that present in life. We all, at times, find ourselves feeling uncomfortable, confused, anxious, and depressed, among many other complex emotions, and Sonja is dedicated to helping you move through these, harnessing the opportunities for growth and building on your strengths and weaknesses.

Sonja is a positive and caring individual, who works to support families and individuals in creating balance, peace, and happiness in their lives. Sonja’s background as a skills trainer and clinical case manager has provided the experience necessary in understanding the challenges that arise in neurological, developmental, and mental health conditions, and how to overcome many of these challenges. Within these arenas, Sonja also has experience in working with individuals in strengthening their communication skills and relationships with family members, and in supporting individuals throughout various periods in their life span, and has personal and professional experience in guiding individuals and families through the process of healing through grief and loss, and in healing after trauma and attachment injuries.

Sonja really focuses on each person through a holistic perspective and creates a safe, non-judgmental environment in which insight, growth, and prosperity are fostered. Sonja’s approach is collaborative, integrating aspects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Person-centered Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Play, and Sandtray Therapies, and Solution-focused Therapy. Sonja maintains a good balance of directing and supporting in facilitating her sessions and is truly committed to finding the most effective methods and techniques when working with her clients.