Teen Therapy in Hawaii (Ages 13–17)

Supporting Adolescents Through Change, Identity, and Emotional Growth

Adolescence is one of the most important—and challenging—seasons of life. Between the ages of 13–17, teens are navigating rapid emotional, social, and developmental changes while beginning to form their identity and independence.

At Akua Family Therapy, we provide teen counseling in Hawaii that supports both the individual teen and the family system. Our approach integrates relationship-focused therapy, emotional regulation skills, and faith-based support (upon request) to help teens and families thrive.

Common Mental Health Struggles for Teens in Hawaii

Teens today face a unique combination of pressures. On the Big Island and across Hawaii, we often see:

Emotional & Internal Struggles

• Anxiety and constant worry

• Depression, sadness, or low motivation

• Emotional sensitivity or intensity

• Difficulty regulating anger or frustration

• Low self-esteem or identity confusion

Relational Challenges

• Conflict with parents or authority figures

• Peer pressure and friendship struggles

• Dating relationships and breakups

• Feeling misunderstood or disconnected

Life Transitions & Stressors

• Adjusting to increased independence

• Family changes (divorce, separation, blended families)

• Moving between homes or schools

• Cultural identity and belonging

Performance & Future Pressure

• Academic stress and expectations

• Sports or extracurricular pressure

• Fear about the future (college, career direction)

High-Risk Concerns

• Self-harm (cutting)

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

• Withdrawal or isolation

• Risk-taking behaviors

Why Early Mental Health Support Matters

Investing in mental health during adolescence can:

• Prevent long-term maladaptive coping patterns

• Reduce emotional reactivity and impulsivity

• Strengthen identity and confidence

• Improve communication and relationships

• Build lifelong emotional regulation skills

Early support helps teens move from reacting → reflecting → responding.

What Teen Therapy Looks Like at Akua Family Therapy

Individual Teen Therapy

Sessions are tailored to the teen’s personality, comfort level, and needs.

We focus on:

• Building trust and a safe space

• Helping teens identify and express emotions

• Teaching coping and regulation skills

• Exploring identity, values, and goals

• Processing stress, trauma, or relational conflict

We often integrate:

• Cognitive and emotional awareness

• Nonviolent Communication (NVC) principles

• Faith-based encouragement (if requested)

• Practical tools teens can use daily

Parent Involvement & Family Engagement

We believe teens do best when families are involved in healthy ways.

Parent support may include:

• Coaching parents on how to respond (not react)

• Teaching reflective listening skills

• Understanding developmental needs of teens

• Guidance on boundaries, structure, and consistency

Parents are not the problem—they are a key part of the solution.

Family Therapy Sessions

When appropriate, we bring families together to work on:

• Communication patterns

• Reducing conflict escalation

• Strengthening connection and trust

• Repairing relational ruptures

• Aligning parenting approaches

Using a Structural Family Therapy lens, we help families:

• Clarify roles and boundaries

• Strengthen the parent subsystem

• Support the teen without over- or under-functioning

Our Unique Approach at Akua Family Therapy

At Akua Family Therapy, we offer a team-based model of care:

• Pre-licensed therapists provide accessible, consistent care

• All clinicians are supervised by Aaron Collins, LMFT

• Aaron brings over 20+ years of experience working with teens as a:

  • Youth pastor

  • Skills trainer

  • Paraprofessional

  • Licensed therapist

Faith-Integrated Support (Optional)

We also have the unique ability to support Christian families:

• All therapists have experience serving in local church ministry

• Therapy can include biblical principles, prayer, and spiritual support (upon request)

• We respect each family’s preferences and values

A Message to Teens

If you're a teen reading this—you’re not alone.

What you're feeling makes sense, even if it feels overwhelming.

Here are a few simple reminders:

• Your emotions are real—but they don’t have to control you

• It’s okay to need space—but don’t isolate completely

• You don’t have to figure everything out right now

• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness