Couples Therapist

Francisco Castillo , MS, LMFT

Aloha!  I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, offering a collaborative and compassionate environment where individuals, couples, and families can address their challenges, gain insights, and create meaningful change. My style is warm and caring, creating a space where you feel heard, supported, and challenged. Together, we will establish clear and achievable goals tailored to your needs, and I will provide structure and practical strategies to help you to progress.

Therapy with me is an active and engaging process based on a systemic and trauma-informed approach. I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), Systems Theory, Attachment Theory, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help you understand how your past experiences shape your present and how you can create meaningful change. I incorporate IFS to explore the various “parts” within you with curiosity and compassion, fostering self-awareness and healing. The Gottman Method is a couples therapy technique that provides practical, research-based tools to assist couples in improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening emotional connections. Additionally, I implement Solution-Focused Therapy to highlight your strengths and successes, guiding you toward tangible progress.

Before becoming a therapist, I served 20 years as an active duty service member in the military, retiring in 2019. During my service, I witnessed the profound impact of life transitions, cultural influences, and trauma on individuals and families. These experiences deepened my understanding of human resilience and reinforced my passion for helping others navigate their challenges.  A strong belief in the power of connection, healing, and personal growth has driven my therapy journey.

I specialize in working with individuals and couples who feel stuck in disconnection, conflict, or emotional overwhelm patterns. Whether you are navigating relationship difficulties, healing from past trauma, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I offer a culturally responsive approach that meets you where you are. My ideal clients are ready to explore their inner world, improve communication, and take actionable steps toward personal growth. I look forward to working together!

Areas of Specialty

I offer a collaborative and compassionate environment for individuals, couples, and families to address their challenges, gain insights, and create meaningful change. My therapy style is warm, supportive, and structured, integrating trauma-informed approaches to foster healing and growth.

Relationship Difficulties

Trauma and PTSD

Emotional Overwhelm

Anxiety

Depression

Life Transitions

Marital and Pre-marital Counseling

Family Conflict

Coping Skills

Men’s Issues

Peer Relationships

Self-Esteem

Stress Management

Therapeutic Methods:

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Attachment Theory

Systems Theory

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Trauma-Informed Care

Experience & Training

Completed Level 1 and Level 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapy Training.

Experienced Marriage and Family Therapist providing counseling services to individuals, couples, and families since 2021.

Extensive experience addressing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.

Provided therapeutic support to families navigating complex dynamics and safety concerns, including domestic conflict and child welfare.

Supervised therapeutic visitation services at the Family Visitation Center, ensuring compliance with best practices and program requirements.

Facilitated psycho-educational and therapeutic groups focused on addiction recovery, life skills development, and mental health education.

Conducted assessments, developed individualized treatment plans, and implemented trauma-informed interventions to support client recovery.

Experience coordinating care with community agencies, healthcare providers, and government organizations to optimize client outcomes.

Provided crisis intervention, safety planning, and comprehensive case management services in various community settings.

Worked extensively with diverse populations, including military personnel and veterans, addressing their unique psychological and social needs.

Committed to ongoing professional development and staying informed on current research and best practices in marriage and family therapy.

Educational Background

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (Expected Graduation, 2025), Liberty University

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (2021), Chaminade University of Honolulu

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2018), Chaminade University of Honolulu

Francisco Castillo , MS, LMFT

(808) 451-3960

Center for Healing & Transformation, 767 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734