Therapist for Trauma in Hawai‘i
Finding the Right Therapist for Trauma
Healing from trauma isn’t about quick fixes or forcing yourself to “just get over it.”
If you’ve tried to move on but still feel stuck, disconnected, or triggered, you’re not alone. You don’t need another list of “stress tips.”
Together, we’ll dig deeper to uncover what’s driving your patterns, triggers and overwhelm. From my virtual office in Kailua-Kona, HI, I’ll help you build practical tools to calm your nervous system, rewrite old stories, and take your power back.
Your past may have shaped you but it doesn't define your future.


Trauma Isn't Always What you Think
Trauma isn’t just about one big event.
It can come from years of emotional neglect, broken trust, constant stress, harmful religious experiences or moments where you learned to shrink yourself to survive. Even when the danger is over, your mind and body can stay stuck in survival mode.
Signs Trauma May Still Be Impacting You
Racing thoughts or feeling trapped in cycles of overthinking
Feeling numb, detached or disconnected from yourself or others
Struggling to set boundaries or saying yes when you want to say no
Panic attacks, chronic anxiety or feeling constantly on edge
Feeling “too much” or “not enough” no matter what you do
Repeating painful relationship patterns even when you want something different
Avoiding memories, people, or situations that feel unsafe...even when they aren’t
If you've ever wondered why you can't 'just get over it,' you're not alone. Trauma often shows up in ways you may not expect or realize.




The truth is, you don't have to carry this alone anymore. Support is here, change is possible.
Did you know? Unprocessed trauma can deeply affect your relationship with food and your body. If bingeing, restriction or disordered eating patterns are part of your story, learn how eating disorder therapy can help ↗


What Changes When You Work With a Therapist for Trauma
Trauma therapy isn’t about “fixing” you because you were never broken. It does feel like life broke you though; that's why you're here.
Understanding how trauma has shaped the way you think, feel and respond is the first part. Learning practical tools to create real, lasting change is the second part. Doing trauma therapy can help you move from constantly surviving to finally thriving.
What You Can Expect to Shift Over Time
With the right support, you’ll start to notice changes that ripple through every part of your life:
Feel calmer and more grounded instead of constantly on edge
Break free from overthinking and exhausting survival-mode loops
Develop healthier boundaries and relationships built on trust
Develop self-compassion and stop the constant war within yourself
Reconnect with your body and finally feel safe within yourself
Release shame and self-blame that keep you feeling stuck
Build confidence and clarity to make choices that feel right for you
Create new patterns that align with the life you want, not the one trauma taught you to settle for


When you work with a therapist for trauma, you don’t have to carry it all alone anymore. You deserve support, clarity, and the tools to create lasting change.
My Approach as a Therapist for Trauma in Hawai‘i
Healing from trauma isn’t about surface-level coping skills or forcing yourself to “just move on.” My approach goes deeper.
We look at the root causes behind your patterns, anxiety and overwhelm so we can create lasting change. Together, we’ll reconnect your mind, body and nervous system so you can finally feel safe, grounded and at home within yourself.
What Makes Empower Change Counseling Different
Here’s what you can expect when we work together:
If you’re ready to stop living in survival mode, I’m here to help you find your way forward. Calm your nervous system, untangle old patterns and create a life that feels safe, grounded and you.
Root-Cause Focus
Whole Person Approach
Collaborative and Client Focused
Evidence Based + Outside the Box Tools
We don’t just manage symptoms — we uncover what’s keeping you stuck so you can break old cycles.
Trauma lives in the body as much as the mind. We’ll integrate nervous-system regulation and practical tools for daily life.
This is your space, your pace. I'll team up with you offering kind, supportive guidance with real talk and no judgment.
Learn how to shift limiting beliefs, love your inner child, rewrite hurtful self-talk and regulate your nervous system using your strengths.




judyw@empowerchangecounseling.com
Trauma, Anxiety, Eating Disorder and Relationship and Couples therapy in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
© 2025 Empower Change Counseling. All rights reserved.
Empowering real change for trauma, anxiety, eating disorders and relationship and couples therapy in Hawaii.
Let’s connect IRL-ish ⬇️
Licensed in Hawaii for Therapy
Judy Waitley, LMHC - MHC-757
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