Michael Quay

My name is Michael Quay & I'm a licensed mental health counselor in the State of Hawaii. I have 18 years of experience working with a variety of clients, including teens (mostly males) with behavioral issues; adults with anxiety & depression; couples; specialty populations. My approach to therapy is that you are the expert on your life & I am here to guide you with various methods/techniques to help you live a fuller life now.

My approach

The theoretical approach depends on the population & their issues. If I had to list one approach, it would be person-centered. I use other approaches, including cognitive behavioral, couples/family & trauma-based. My overall approach would be eclectic, which means I draw from many theoretical approaches depending upon the person & their specific needs.

My focus

I am comfortable treating teens with behavioral issues; adults with anxiety/depression & life issues; couples with relationship problems; vets with trauma or other life issues; & specialty populations (which includes personality disorders or families dealing with end-of-life or dementia with a loved one).

My communication style

My communication style is laid back. I know treatment goals are important; however, the therapeutic relationship is more important. I believe in connecting to a client professionally with empathy & compassion. Working with me would best be described as talking with a friend.

My journey to mental healthcare

I went through my own issues with depression in my teens & twenties, so I am familiar with the stigma (1980s) of mental health. When I went back to graduate school, getting a degree in a counseling-related field made sense to me. I enjoy helping others work through their issues, including hopefully passing along some methods/techniques that will help them with their mental health needs.

My goals for you

Goal setting should come after the initial therapeutic relationship gets started. The client often needs to vent or share their problems/pain before the goal setting can be approached. Then the therapist & the client can jointly focus on the most important issues for the client to work on (goal).

My first session with you

The first session should be laid back (overall), with both parties getting to develop a counseling relationship. I let the client lead & share why they have come to counseling. Often they share openly, but if they do not, then I ask leading questions. Hopefully, by the end of the session, the client will be comfortable working with me, and we can look forward to the next session, where we jointly set some attainable goals.