Dionne Malia Ishimura

My name is Dionne Malia Ishimura and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in helping individuals and families identify and achieve goals by coping with the issues that are causing them anxiety and distress by providing a safe space not focusing on the past. Although healing may need to occur from the past, I want to help them create a better future. This provider resides in Hawaii.

My approach

The essence of my work is to facilitate self-growth by helping my clients identify the core challenges and setbacks in their life so that they can overcome them with confidence. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, as both modalities help me and my client create a personalized plan and provide tools in guiding them forward and achieve their desired goals. By focusing on the client’s own cognitive skills and strengths, I support them to develop higher levels of self-awareness and self-regulation to handle life’s challenges.

My focus

I am most comfortable working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma, domestic violence and abuse, depression, grief and loss, significant life changes, and the behavior and emotions that are often associated with those stressful life events.

My communication style

My communication style is compassionate, genuine, and personable. It is my priority to provide a safe,non-judgemental, and trauma-informed space for clients to share and work through whatever brings them into therapy. I believe my clients are the experts in their own lives and have a unique perspective, life experience, and path.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey began in 1998, when I continue to serve multicultural and diverse groups. In the summer of 2013, I decided to become a therapist and committed my life to serving the "Last, Least, and Lost" of our society in effort of helping them through life's setbacks. It is my mission to help people find their hidden potential and give them all the necessary tools to develop and grow.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting with clients is collaborative and all about working together in partnership helping them discover their inner strengths. I offer guidance in identifying and prioritizing what is important to them. Through this process, we will build trust and rapport which is a great foundation for goal setting and assisting clients in tracking their progress.

My first session with you

You can expect in our first session for me to provide a welcoming and safe atmosphere where you can share how you’ve been feeling. I will listen, learn, and ask questions to gain insight into why you may be experiencing what you are feeling. Initially, this session will aid in helping me discern what therapeutic path for us to take and what modality would be most beneficial in sensitively and effectively meet your needs. It is also an opportunity for you to see if I am a good fit for your needs.