Joanika LeBlanc

Joanika LeBlanc , MS, LMHC

I want to begin by acknowledging your decision to seek counseling. Good for you!  So often we rush to help or take care of others, while minimizing or just simply ignoring our own needs. Coming to therapy is a great step in self-care, and so I’ll share some of my beliefs and background to ensure that I am a good fit for you.

My counseling philosophy is dynamic, but is rooted in client-centered therapy. Essentially, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is foundational for healing to occur. I incorporate elements such as acceptance, openness, positive regard, and trust. My style is holistic and collaborative, and I use different evidence-based practices that fit each individual. I am trained in Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Therapy. I help my clients to accept and learn to love themselves, gain skills to thrive in relationships and live their lives in an empowered and meaningful way.

For couple’s therapy, I specialize in the Gottman Method.  This method helps couples to gain a toolkit to communicate lovingly and effectively in order to rebuild their connection. It helps couples to build respect, affection and empathy.

I also see individuals, helping them to build skills to increase confidence and to build a sense of inner contentment. Individuals may struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, family and relationship conflicts. I help individuals with adjustment issues and emotional distress related to life transitions, such as break-ups, divorce, and career changes. I also provide support for clients who are seeking greater self-understanding and personal growth. This life can feel confusing, and I am a guide that helps individuals to find their path to healing. I would love to support you.

Areas of Specialty

I offer Individual and Couples Therapy.  I work with people aged 18 and older.

  • Couples Therapy
  • Depression
  • Anxiety/Stress
  • LGBTQ
  • Parenting Issues
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • PTSD/Trauma
  • Grief
  • Family and relationship conflicts
  • Life Transitions
  • Personal growth

Experience & Training

2023 20th Hawaii International Summit on Violence, Abuse, & Trauma Across the Lifespan, Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma (IVAT)
2022 19th Hawaii International Summit on Violence, Abuse, & Trauma Across the Lifespan, Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma (IVAT)
2021 Dissociation and Trauma Spectrum, American Counseling Association
2020 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intensive Training Course, Profesional Education Systems Institute (PESI)
2019 Gottman Method Levels I & II, National Marriage Seminars
2019 Diagnosis: Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders, Louisiana Counseling Association
2017 The STOP Program for Men & Women: Understanding & Treating Domestic Violence in the 21st Century, David Wexler Relationship Training Institute
2015 Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), LivingWorks
2014 Triple P Positive Parenting Program Levels 2&3, Triple P International and The University of Queensland
2012 Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Loyola University New Orleans
Jo has helped me grow tremendously in the past two years. I went through several life transitions (school, work, moving, relationship breakup) and she gave me the skills and confidence to challenge irrational thoughts and address my inner critical voice. The worksheets and homework prompts gave me a chance to unpack my thoughts before each session. Jo helped me identify ways to set boundaries and hold myself accountable. I feel more confident in my ability to maintain healthier relationships with my friends, family, coworkers, and myself. Thank you Jo!

Joanika LeBlanc , MS, LMHC

808-451-3960

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