Kristine Altwies, MA, LMFT

Education: I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History/German from Kalamazoo College, and a Michigan Secondary Teaching Certificate; a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, and am a PhD student in family systems. I hold Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure in the State of Hawaii, Michigan and New Jersey. I am EMDR trained.

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Experience:  For many years I worked in adoption as the Executive Director of Hawai’i International Child Placement and Family Services, Inc. (HIC) and coordinated adoptions around the globe. On that journey I've worked with children and families as a parent trainer, therapist and coach. In addition, I’ve worked as a sex abuse treatment therapist specializing in work with perpetrators and victims. Prior to that I was a secondary education teacher (public and private schools) and was managing editor of the Wiley Encyclopedia of Psychology (2nd Ed.). 

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Beliefs: I believe every person is born perfect, and the challenges we experience along the way come at the hands of others,  managed with greater or lesser success in our own hearts, minds and bodies. I know that coming to understand, accept and love ourselves is key to mental and physical health.  I believe in the importance of conscientious parenting,  and encouraging curiosity in children. I believe the best therapeutic relationships are collaborate and cooperative. Since we all come from a family, of one sort or another, I believe in the importance of understanding these origins in order to achieve optimal personal insight. I believe in the power of the human being to heal and thrive, and also understand that many of us carry heavy loads.

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Approach:  I am a family systems therapist, with an affinity to Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative, trauma-informed, social emotional learning, Strategic, Cognitive Behavioral systems and somatic awareness work. I am EMDR trained, and a member of EMDRIA.  I use a strengths-based approach in parenting. Our thoughts, dreams and family histories matter, and can aid self-discovery. My role in the counseling room is to listen, reflect back, and draw out truths. I am not an expert, I am a supporter who aims to deeply understand you.

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Clients: Couples, teens, individuals ages 18+.  I am LGBTQIA+ supportive and connected. I embrace all religious affiliations, believe in body-positivity, and love all ages and stages of the human experience.  I welcome any family experiencing concerns about their neuro-diverse children, or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).

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Languages: I offer treatment in English, and can understand basic German.

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Fees: $250+ hour, sliding scale available. I accept  HMSA, UHA, HMAA, and Tricare West.

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• EMDR

• Anxiety/Panic 

• Depression

• Adoption/Family of Origin

• Marriage/Relationship support

• Life Transitions

• Difficulties with Self-Esteem

• Eating Issues

• Parenting

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Professional/Career Issues

• Stress Management

• Spirituality

• Gender Identity Support

• LGBTQIA+ Support

• Grief, Loss, or Bereavement

• Other Issues