Debra Counadis , LCSW

Debra Counadis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Hawaii with 20 years of professional experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, and depression. She focuses on practical coping strategies, building motivation and confidence, and helping clients navigate life changes with compassion and respect. Debra emphasizes a sensitive, individualized approach - tailoring conversations and treatment plans to each person’s specific circumstances and goals.

Her work includes helping individuals manage grief and loss, address control issues and feelings of guilt or shame, and find renewed purpose after difficult experiences. She also supports those coping with social anxiety, isolation, and symptoms related to post-traumatic stress. Throughout her practice she prioritizes empathy and collaboration, recognizing that beginning therapy often requires courage and that taking that first step is meaningful.

Debra aims to create a supportive environment where therapy is shaped to meet unique needs, offering evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a focus on realistic, compassionate progress. She invites prospective clients to consider therapy as a thoughtful, personalized path toward greater well-being.

Evidence-Based Techniques and Online Therapy Options

Debra uses a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to common concerns like anxiety, depression, and grief. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills to manage anxiety and mood-related symptoms. Grief-focused approaches provide structure and support for processing loss, exploring meaning, and restoring a sense of purpose after bereavement. Trauma-informed methods offer gentle, paced strategies to address post-traumatic stress and related symptoms while prioritizing the client’s sense of safety and readiness.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Debra works collaboratively with each person to select techniques that align with their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts methods over time based on progress and feedback so that treatment feels relevant and manageable.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility by allowing sessions via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity of care during life transitions, and access support from wherever one is located in Hawaii. Licensed professionals can use these modalities to deliver consistent, effective care while collaborating with clients to determine the best format for their work together.