Nikki Stephens, MA

A quick word from Aaron Collins, LMFT: We’re thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team at Akua Family Therapy—Nikki Stephens! Nikki recently earned her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and brings invaluable experience from her internship with Child and Family Services. Her dedication to helping Hawaii’s children and families navigate challenges makes her an incredible asset to our practice.

When Nikki first approached me over a year ago, we didn’t have an opening available, but her unwavering passion and commitment left a lasting impression. We’re honored to now welcome her to our ‘ohana and look forward to the difference she’ll make in our community.

Welcome aboard, Nikki!

Aaron Collins, LMFT

Nikki’s Qualifications: I earned a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University, (2024). I am a pre-licensed therapist under clinical supervision by Aaron Collins, LMFT. 

Hey, I’m Nikki!

I am a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who believes in living mindfully, staying aligned with your values, and fostering connection with both nature and those around you. I think the two most important qualities a therapist can offer are curiosity and presence. Your healing journey deserves the undivided attention of someone who will warmly and non-judgmentally accept everything you share.

My journey began in Israel, where I was born and raised until my early 20s. Growing up amidst conflict—both within my family and in the greater Middle East—I struggled with anxiety and developed patterns that took years to unravel. I attribute my personal transformation to more than 20 years of mindfulness practice, daily self-care, and embracing the mind-body-spirit connection. While the road wasn’t always easy, these experiences allow me to relate to my clients with deep compassion and understanding.

I specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse, whether in childhood or adulthood. Trauma survivors have my profound admiration; their ability to adapt and find ways to survive in challenging environments is a testament to their strength. That’s why I view behaviors such as isolation, avoidance, anger, substance use, or relationship difficulties not as problems to fix but as solutions that helped you cope in the past. Together, we can explore how these patterns have served you and work to shift those that no longer align with your current goals.

When exploring your life story, I take a “web of connection” approach. This includes examining your family, community, religion, nationality, ethnicity, and other influential aspects of your life. As the center of this intricate web, it’s often difficult to see how these connections shape your daily choices. By working together, we can untangle this web, starting with your family of origin and extending outward to uncover the influences affecting your life.

I’m passionate about having deep, meaningful conversations with my clients. I love hearing about what has worked for you in the past, what you envision for your future, and the values that guide your life. I believe we all possess an innate capacity for self-healing, and my role is to facilitate and support you in accessing your inner wisdom.

I look forward to meeting you and working together to help you achieve your goals.