Maliekalanikilaokapuanahenahe Carvalho

My name is Malie Carvalho. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based out of Hilo, Hawaii. I work with clients remotely via telehealth throughout the State of Hawaii. I work with children through adults with ages ranging from 5 years old to 99 years old. I utilize EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy with my clients depending on their individual needs. My goal is to help clients identify their issues, earn appropriate coping skills, and overcome their past traumas so they can live their lives to the fullest. This provider resides in Hawaii.

My approach

My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of my individual clients. I frequently use EMDR and CBT with my clients as they have both been proven to be the most effective in dealing with and overcoming trauma. However, if a person just needs someone to talk to, I'm available for that as well. I feel that forming a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and understanding is the best approach for successful outcomes.

My focus

I have found that my style of therapy is very adaptable to most populations that I work with. When working with a young child, I am able to keep my sentences and word choices short and sweet to match the limited attention of a young child, while still helping them to process whatever issue they may be dealing with. When working with teenagers I find that most teenagers feel comfortable speaking with me due to my relaxed and non-judgmental nature. I find that I am also very comfortable working with young adults to the older adult population.

My communication style

My communication style varies according to the communication style of my client. I tend to match my communication and my energy according to that of the person I am speaking with. If a client is more soft-spoken, I will lower my voice to match their energy. If my client is easily excited or animated in speech, I tend to match their energy and also become animated. It's not something that I do on purpose, but I've noticed over the years that it happens to me naturally. When clients work with me, they have shared that I am easy to talk with because I come across as non-judgmental, caring, and genuine.

My journey to mental healthcare

I actually never thought of being a therapist until the last several years. I had originally just wanted to be a Social Worker. I wanted to help those in my community who were disenfranchised by society to become empowered individuals. As I worked in the public sector with so many people from the at-risk population I realized that many people could benefit from effective therapy. I found that the reason a lot of people didn't pursue therapy is because they had a bad experience with therapy in the past, or they didn't find a therapist that they clicked with and that's okay. Not every therapist is for every client. That being said, I knew I could help people. I realized while I was working in the public sector that a lot of people felt comfortable coming to me with their problems. I also learned that I was good at helping people solve their problems and working through their issues. This is when I decided to pursue my clinical license. After working in the public Social Services field for 21 years, I obtained my clinical license and I am now able to help people through therapy.

My goals for you

I like to know right away what your goals or purpose are for seeking therapy. There is a reason why you came searching for therapy. I didn't go out on the streets to find you and say "I want to provide you therapy because you look like you need it." Instead, you decided that maybe therapy could help you. You came to this website because you had specific things that were bothering you that you felt you could use help with. Whatever led you here in the first place, I want to know about. As we work together your goals may change and that's okay. As you accomplish some goals, you may come up with new goals. As these changes arise we can work together to accomplish whatever you set your mind to.

My first session with you

I like to use the first session as a way to get to know you and help you to feel comfortable with me as your therapist. I like to know how you're doing in general and at the moment. I want to know what brought you to therapy and what your general life is like. I want to be able to answer any questions you have for me as your therapist so that you feel comfortable working with me.