Hi, I’m Heather!

I am Heather Oreta, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Hawaii with over 29 years of professional work experience in the non-profit and in the public sector. I have been married for over 21 years and am a mother. I am also a United States Air Force veteran who served during and in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. I graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Hawai`i at Hilo in 2000, and my Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa in 2011. I worked at the Institute for Human Services on the Island of Oahu in the early 90’s and relocated to the Big Island in 1996 where I worked in several state agencies serving children and their families.

I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process!

My theoretical orientations for therapy are multidimensional or some like to say eclectic. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoanalysis, Person-Centered, Mindfulness Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are clinical approaches I am comfortable and versed in. I do not shock easily therefore come as you are, nothing you say can offend me.

I am certified in Mental Health First Aid, One Circle Foundation Series, Youth Bullying and Suicide Prevention, Mindfulness, and Suicide Prevention. I am also experienced with Grief, Anger management, Abandonment, Adoption and Foster Care, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Body Image, Forgiveness, Guilt and Shame, Military and Veterans Issues, Multicultural Concerns, Self-Love, Somatization, and Women’s Issues.

During my down time I love doing things that elevate my mind/body/spirit connection and balance through meditation, swimming preferably in the ocean, hiking with my Golden Retriever and PitBull Mix rescues.

What I’m working Towards

I am looking forward to visiting the Northern Lights.