Sarah Christensen, Ph.D.

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius

I am a licensed psychologist and have worked with adults in individual therapy for nearly 20 years. I received both my Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology, focusing much of my studies, research, and teaching on cognitive and social development, personality assessment, motivation, and resiliency.

Many of my clients come to my office struggling with anxiety and/or sadness, often wanting to know how to

• Create healthy life balance
• Learn to better interact with difficult people
• Create appropriate boundaries
• Stop worrying and lessen ruminating thoughts
• Cope with unexpected painful experiences
• Sleep better
• Have a better understanding of what is important in their lives and to learn ways to consistently live a content, purposeful life.

We work together to erase distorted thoughts and replace them with rational thoughts, thereby creating an emotionally and physically balanced and secure life.

I work with adults in individual therapy as well as in couples therapy. I have particular expertise in working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties and poor self-image.  Some areas on which I focus with clients include:

• Codependency
• Divorce
• Grief
• Life Coaching
• Parenting
• Self Esteem
• Coping Skills
• Family Conflict
• Infidelity
• Men’s Issues
• Peer Relationships
• Women’s Issues

My primary therapeutic approach in working with clients is to explore both the emotional and cognitive barriers to the attainment of their goals.  I often work with clients to strengthen self-image by helping them to learn good self-care and how to set healthy emotional boundaries with others.  I focus my work with clients on managing their current stressors and difficulties and on changing certain thoughts and beliefs in order to help them make the life improvements they desire.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the theoretical framework of both my training and clinical practice. CBT’s core belief is that our thoughts control most of our feelings, which then influence our behaviors (how we treat ourselves and relate to others). I work with my clients to identify and change their ways of thinking in order to effect growth and make positive changes in their lives.

I do not presently accept health insurance in the State of Hawaii, although I expect to be in network with several of Hawaii's major health insurance carriers soon.  For clients who would like to schedule on a self-pay basis, my self-pay rate is $250-$300 per session.

To pre-register for an appointment, please click HERE.  For additional information, please e-mail our office at scheduling@enso808.com or give us a call at 808-868-5398.