Natalie Schwab , MSW, LCSW

Aloha!  I specialize in fostering mental health for keiki (children) and their caregivers. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with children and families across diverse cultural backgrounds on the island of Oahu, as well as in California and Eastern Europe. My experience spans various settings such as public schools, community organizations, clinics, government agencies, military bases, and in-home services. Connecting with families from around the world with different backgrounds and environments has taught me that children are innately joyful and resilient.

I am passionate about approaching trauma healing at any age, as young as infancy. I understand that young children may not have the words to express their emotions or story, but that doesn’t mean they cannot communicate and understand in other ways. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy. These modalities focus on building attachment bonds and fostering hope and healing for both the child and the caregiver. I work closely with families to tailor treatment to their unique cultural values and beliefs, ensuring a personalized and holistic approach.

As a mother of two, I understand both the joys and challenges of parenting, and I deeply appreciate the journey families undertake to heal and grow together. My therapeutic style is grounded in empathy, openness, and a love for every child. I am committed to walking alongside your family as you navigate this healing process.

Areas of Specialty

I work with children under 10 years old and their families through individual and family therapy. For children under the age of 6, I practice a developmentally appropriate family therapy that focuses on the child-parent/caregiver relationship (Child-Parent Psychotherapy). I use trauma-informed, evidence-based, culturally-aware play therapy methods to navigate the healing process.

  • Healing Trauma/PTSD
  • Grief and Loss
  • Parenting
  • Behavior concerns
  • Developmental Delays and Disabilities
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment/bonding (Parent-child relationship)
  • Attention and Engagement concerns
  • Depression
  • Change/transitions
  • Women/Mother-specific issues (motherhood, pregnancy, post-partum)
  • Resource Caregiver (Foster Parent)-specific challenges
  • Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health

Experience & Training

  • Work in therapeutic settings with children who have experienced adversity since 2007
  • Seven years in the Early Intervention Program (0-3 year olds with developmental concerns)
  • Trained in the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health And Development Disorders Of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-5)
  • Trained in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Trauma-Informed Care (Association of Infant Mental Health Hawaii, NASW certified)
  • Trained in Trauma-Informed Care Following a Natural Disaster (AIM-HI, NASW certified)
  • Actively training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) method under Dr. Chandra Ippen of the Child Trauma Research Program at University of California, San Francisco
  • Trained in Applied-Behavior Analysis (ABA), with experience as a behavior specialist
  • Supervised utilizing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Experience with children in the Child Welfare System in various settings since 2008
  • Work in the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) with children and families
  • Experience working with military families in Oahu since 2017
  • Worked with diverse local populations from communities across Oahu
  • Lived and worked in a rural community in Moldova (Eastern Europe) for 2 years working as a school teacher, community organizer, educator trainer, and assistant to an organization for survivors of sex-trafficing
  • Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
  • Bachelor of Art in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Hawaii, Manoa’s Myron B Thompson School of Social Work

Natalie Schwab , MSW, LCSW

808-451-3960

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