Paumalū Cassiday, LCSW
Psychotherapist
My name is Paumalū Cassiday, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in mindfulness-based interventions grounded in Hawaiian culture. My therapeutic approach aims to cultivate self-awareness and resilience while addressing challenges such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and anger management. Together, we'll embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery rooted in both evidence-based practice and the healing traditions of Hawaii.
The kūpuna—elders and ancestors—of Hawaiʻi understood the importance of our thoughts and intentions. This understanding can be illustrated through the following proverb: I ka ʻōlelo nō ke ola, I ka ʻōlelo nō ka make. “In words there is life; in words there is death.” (Pukuʻi,ʻŌN #1191)
Self-dialogue matters. The way we use our mind, to find purpose and meaning in our lives, impacts all aspects of our realities. It is connected to our physical and spiritual health—as well as to the wellbeing our greater communities and natural world. He hale ke kino no ka mana’o. “The body is a house for the thoughts.” (Pukuʻi,ʻŌN #563). Through this understanding, we must mālama, or steward, our minds. This increases the fortitude and flexibility needed to respond to life’s challenges.
My approach to therapy emphasizes the totality of an individual’s experience, including their social and cultural contexts. Rather than focusing solely on pathology, I work collaboratively with clients to identify and harness their strengths and resources, promoting resilience and growth.
Two of the most common theoretical approaches I utilize in my work are motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), helping clients understand how their underlying thoughts paint the lens by which they view the world.
I am also partial to using meditation, experiential learning and “culture-as-treatment” in my practice. My view of psychotherapy is holistic, and I like to account for factors like lifestyle, nutrition and spirituality.
My primary client focus is on adults and adolescents, with experience across diverse populations such as those with severe mental illness, at-risk youth in foster care, and students with special needs. I specialize in treating behavioral mental health issues through individual therapy but may also consider working with families or couples.
My communication style is centered around active listening and reflecting upon what my clients share with me, aiming to gain new or deeper understanding. The goal is to create an environment that is empathetic, nonjudgmental, and respectful, in hopes to foster exploration and growth. It is to embody mālama and aloha— nurturing you with warmth and compassion. In my practice I allow the clients to lead the therapeutic process in the direction they want.
During your first session with me, we will hoʻolauna, or undergo a friendly introduction to each other. This initial meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building a trusting relationship. We'll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, along with your goals and expectations. By the end of our first session, you'll have a clearer sense of whether I'm the right fit for you, and we'll decide together on the next steps in your therapeutic journey.