Joseph Hakim, LMHC

Joseph Hakim is a licensed mental health counselor based in Hawaii who brings six years of clinical experience to his practice. He holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health from Hawaii Pacific University and is a nationally board-certified counselor. In addition, he has a certificate in substance abuse counseling, reflecting targeted training to address addiction-related concerns. LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor, which indicates formal licensure to provide counseling services in the state of Hawaii.

Joseph works with a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, relationship and family issues, and a variety of mood and behavioral challenges. He selects therapeutic techniques to fit each person’s unique needs, drawing on Client-Centered Therapy to prioritize the person’s experience, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address thoughts and behaviors, and Motivational Interviewing to support change and readiness. This blend allows him to tailor interventions for issues such as eating and sleeping problems, anger, bipolar symptoms, panic, and problems with intimacy and body image.

He recognizes that asking for help can feel difficult and aims to create a comfortable, supportive environment for people seeking change. Joseph emphasizes collaboration in therapy and works with clients to identify underlying obstacles and practical steps toward healthier coping and improved well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Sessions

Joseph Hakim draws on several evidence-based approaches to guide online work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding each person’s experience and building a collaborative, empathetic relationship; it helps when someone needs a nonjudgmental space to explore feelings and values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage mood symptoms, and change unhelpful patterns. Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that supports a person’s own motivation to change, making it useful for addressing substance use, ambivalence, and goals around recovery or behavior change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Joseph works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and he adjusts techniques as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps ensure therapy feels relevant and usable for everyday life.

Online therapy with Joseph can take place by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care, access support from home or while traveling, and choose the communication style that best suits each client’s needs.