Abigail Sylvester

Aloha! My name is Abigail Sylvester, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to counseling is meeting the client where they are at and then working together in creating and implementing a plan to reach the client's treatment goals. Every client is unique, and it is important that I adjust according to the client's needs. I enjoy working with a wide range of clients, from teens to seniors, from diverse ethnic backgrounds, all genders, and sexual identities. This provider resides in Hawaii.

My approach

I believe genuineness and empathy are the two most important things for a counselor to possess. My goal is to provide a safe place for the client to grow and heal, meeting them where they are in their journey and working together to help the client live a life that allows them to thrive. I am comfortable, confident, and trained to use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Trauma Informed, CBT, Narrative Exposure Therapy, Attachment-Based, Family Systems, Mindfulness-Based, Multicultural, Narrative, Person-Centered, Positive Psychology, Multi-Cultural, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior, Strength-Based, Coaching, Motivational Interviewing, Family and Marital Therapy. Often, I will take a holistic approach and use an eclectic mix of techniques that best help the client.

My focus

I don't have a "typical" client population that I focus on as I enjoy working with clients from multiple backgrounds: from teens to seniors, all genders, all sexual identifications, diverse ethnicities, religious and non-religious, and different abilities. I specialize in working with populations dealing with trauma and PTSD, addiction, ADHD, adoption, anxiety, behavioral issues, career coaching, chronic pain and illness, codependency, depression, divorce, grief, infertility, infidelity, life coaching, marriage therapy, parenting, pregnancy, postpartum, self-esteem, sex sleep, spirituality, stress, suicidal ideation, sex therapy, sexual abuse, weight loss issues, and women's issues.

My communication style

I aim to make the therapeutic environment as warm and comfortable as possible. I believe my past and current clients will tell you that I am personable and easy to talk with. My loved ones tease me that I have never met a person I don't like. It is my goal that after each session, clients feel that they were heard, understood, and supported while also feeling motivated to make changes that will ultimately lead them to a less stressed life.

My journey to mental healthcare

I love people. I love learning from and working with all kinds of people. I love supporting people and helping them to live their truest and happiest in order that they might thrive. I am passionate about ensuring that people feel their voice is heard and that they are understood. I feel lucky to have a career that allows me to witness people growing into their best selves.

My goals for you

Goal-setting is client-led, with me supporting the client in creating goals that will best help them to live the life they want. Together we will work to make long-term goals less intimidating and overwhelming by identifying barriers and breaking down each goal into a series of smaller and easier-to-complete tasks.

My first session with you

I understand that the first session often feels the scariest and most intimidating to a client. I will acknowledge how brave it is for the client to take this first step towards feeling less stressed and living the life they want by seeking support. Our first session will be laid back with both the client and I using it as an opportunity to get to know each other.