Aaron Collins, LMFT

A word from Aaron Collins, LMFT: Thank you for considering working with me and my team. We hope that you will trust that we are working hard to provide you with services that matter, because you matter. 

Aloha,

Aaron Collins, LMFT

Aaron's Qualifications: I have a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University (2014) and a Bachelors of Arts in Communications from the University of Hawaii, Hilo. I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2017. I have completed 60 hours of EMDRIA  approved EMDR therapy training and am in consultation toward becoming an official EMDR therapist. I have completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1 and Level 2. I am in the process of becoming an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, supervised by Dr. John Souza, Jr., LMFT, DMFT and Mary Kay Lowe, LMFT. 

Aloha my name is Aaron Akua Collins. I am the practice owner of Akua Family Therapy and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received my Master’s degree at Argosy University in Hilo, Hawaii in 2014. I pride myself on being born and raised in Hawaii, growing up in Puna and being someone who is relatable, down to earth, genuine, and respectful. As a Christian man, getting saved at age 15, I believe God has put a calling on my life to serve him by serving and helping others. 

“I find that I am able to relate in a way that helps others feel safe and free to express, process and build insight.”

I chose to name my therapy practice AKUA FAMILY THERAPY because AKUA is my middle name. In Hawaii AKUA also means God. I want the community and my clients to know that I am a christian and AKUA family therapy is a safe place for people to come and processes their baggage, their hurts, their trials, their challenges and feel supported and encouraged and cared for. I am passionate about serving God and people. I enjoy seeing lives changed as people gain insight and realize their full potential.

In addition to my work as a therapist, I have also served in the community for many years with organizations such as Young Life where I volunteered my time working to mentor and support Big Island teens.  I have also been involved with several church organizations, volunteering in food distribution to those in need, various community service projects, youth ministry, administration, men’s ministry, and eldership.

Prior to working as a therapist in private practice, I worked in several community based organizations including Hale Kipa Inc. as a clinical supervisor, mental health professional and paraprofessional.  I’ve also worked as a program coordinator for Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.  I worked many years with children with developmental disabilities (autism, downs syndrome, cerebral palsy), including working at Bayada Home Healthcare and The Institute For Family Enrichment as a skills trainer.

At age 20 I traveled to Australia and completed a Discipleship Training School (DTS) with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Upon returning home, I got involved with serving as the Youth Pastor at my church for about 6 years, and have continued to serve our community till present.

I am from the Big Island, born and raised.  I graduated from Waiakea High School and grew up in Puna where I currently reside. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Hawaii, Hilo. I love to travel and have been to Australia, Thailand, Philippines, Nepal, and the Mainland United States.  I enjoy astrophotography, light painting and art.  The ocean is where I love to exercise and play. 

I have been married since 2010.  My wife is from the Philippines, so I am familiar with cross-cultural and language barriers in the context of marriage.  Living in a multicultural family myself, I understand how difficult it can be to maintain peace and stability in the home. Many of the tools and interventions that I use with my clients have been utilized and implemented in my own life and have been very helpful for helping me to better understand myself, my family and other relationships.

I am also a person who has battled with anxiety, panic attacks, trauma and distress. I go to therapy and have learned ways to cope and journey through these mental and emotional battles. 

I share these things in confidence that you will find something in common with my personal story, and that we can work together to help you develop goals and transition toward the life that you are looking for.

I look forward to connecting with you!

Marriage and Family Therapy - I am trained to see problems in the context of relationships. Whether I am working with a couple, family or individual, I am constantly thinking systemically. This means that if a client is speaking to me about a problem or venting about a stressor, I am helping the client by as asking questions and pointing out insights to help the client to better understand their problems and work towards relief and solutions in the context of relationships. 

Individual Relationship Processing - I help individuals navigate troubled marriages and improve various aspects of their relationships. We set goals and objectives that can lead to significant positive changes in your life. When a spouse isn’t willing to participate in therapy, we focus on your individual growth and understanding of your relationship. Here are some areas we might explore together:

1. Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: Helping you understand your own needs, triggers, and patterns in relationships can empower you to make more informed choices and responses.

2. Communication Skills: Teaching effective communication techniques, such as active listening and non-defensive expression, can improve interactions and reduce misunderstandings.

3. Conflict Resolution: Providing strategies for managing and resolving conflicts constructively can help you address issues without escalating tensions.

4. Emotional Regulation: Techniques for managing stress and emotions can help you approach your relationship with a clearer, more balanced mindset.

5. Building Intimacy: Addressing issues related to physical and emotional intimacy can help you reconnect with your partner, even if your partner is not yet involved in therapy.

6. Self-Esteem and Self-Care: Encouraging you to focus on your own well-being can enhance your overall outlook and resilience, which can positively impact your relationship.

7. Goal Setting: I work with clients to set and achieve personal and relational goals which can provide a sense of direction and purpose.

8. Understanding Relationship Dynamics: Exploring how past experiences and individual beliefs shape your current relationship can provide valuable insights and facilitate change.

Gottman Method for Couples Therapy - I am second level trained in this appoach which is very helpful in educating couples on what makes relationships work, and what makes relationships fall appart. In order to strengthen a relationship, both partners need to be willing and invested in positive followthrough and skill building. The Gottman's say that most relationships fail and fall apart when they fail to build a foundation on friendship, turning towards, and expressing fondness of their partner. I help couples work toward these goals and work through conflict to get back to a place of love, appreciation and commitment. 

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) - I have received 60+ hours of specialized trauma training in helping clients to radically transform their functioning and living through the process of a therapy called EMDR. This treatment often leads to amazing results of relief, renewal, reduced anxiety and distress, desensitized trauma memories, and increased emotional regulation. It starts with identifying targets for processing, establishing resources for grounding and stabilization and then working through targets with eye movement and other forms of bilateral stimulation. 

Christian Faith Based Support - Upon request from client, I will incorporate prayer, bible verses or other christian based support. This is not pushed on or offered to clients who are not wanting or interested in this form of support. 

Approved Supervision - I am currently qualified to supervise pre-licensed therapists who are working toward licensure. If you are working toward licensure and looking for a supervisor, please reach out. I am also in the middle of an 18 month program and in the process of becoming an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I am always looking to grow and strengthen my skills as a therapist and supervisor.