Aloha! I am Kristel Janela Bagunu and earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. I am currently working towards my licensure to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor to serve the diverse population of Hawaii.
I was born in Ilagan, Philippines and moved to Lahaina, Maui as a young child. The islands have become my home which is why I want to uphold the complexity of its multicultural roots in my practice. My therapeutic approach is integrative, grounded in person-centered and cognitive behavioral principles, with a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens. I emphasize building a safe, collaborative relationship with clients, tailoring interventions to their individual needs while fostering insight, emotional regulation, and empowerment. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I support individuals in identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that no longer serve them while fostering self-compassion and insight.
I am here to create a space of comfort and honesty, where we can work together and create meaningful advances towards discovering yourself. My goal is to help clients gain clarity, develop emotional resilience, and move towards meaningful change at their own pace. I am able to do sessions in Tagalog and English to provide more accessible therapists to the immigrant population. I look forward to working with you and walking on this journey called life together.
