Paumalū Cassiday, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Cultural practitioner
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.
The kūpuna—elders and ancestors—of Hawaiʻi understood the importance of words 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 community 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, I emphasize the mālama (stewarding) of noʻonoʻo and naʻau (thoughts and emotions). Doing so increases the fortitude and flexibility needed to respond to life’s challenges.
I am partial to using meditation, experiential learning and “culture-as-treatment” in my clinical practice. I take a holistic approach, accounting for factors like lifestyle, nutrition and spirituality. My delivery of evidence-based treatments—such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy—is woven into a foundation of ʻike kupuna (ancestral knowledge) and nohona kuʻuna (traditional ways of life).
It is through engagement with ʻōlelo paeʻāina (Hawaiian language) and hana moʻomeheu (cultural practice) that I offer Indigenized psychotherapy services. I also participate in AlohaCare’s extra benefits program, offering ho’oponopono (reconciliation and peacemaking) and ‘ai pono (eating off the land).
My kumu (teacher; source) in ho’oponopono is Aunty Lynette Paglinawan, who carries on the mo’okūʻauhau (lineage) of Tūtū Mary Kawena Pukuʻi. I have studied under her since 2017, and I remain as her haumāna (student) to this day. As for ʻai pono, I am guided by traditions from my ʻohana (family) and kinship to my ʻāina (land).
In 2024, I was given the kulana (title; rank) of poʻo (head) for a project called Puʻuhonua o Waipahu. This role was given to me by Uncle Hercules Huihui, an esteemed elder, cultural practioner and civic leader of our neighborhood. Uncle Herc is guided by a vision from Akua (God; Creator). That vision is to bring forth six acres of wetlands in our area into food production. I now auamo (carry) that kuleana (responsibility). And through Akua and aumākua (God and guardians), we are currently manifesting a loʻī kalo (taro plantation) and malaʻāi (garden) for the kaiāulu (community) and greater lāhui (nation).
The community farm at Puʻuhonua o Waipahu is the ideal location to receive my Indigenized psychotherapy and/or cultural services. However, for those who are solely interesed in evidence-based treatments, I offer teletherapy services as well.
During your first session with me, we will hoʻolauna or get to know each other. We will build pilina (a trusting relationship) and discuss your reasons for seeking help. We will also go over your goals and expectations. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear sense of whether I am the right fit for you.