Miranda Stone

Hi, my name is Miranda Stone and I am an LCSW practicing in the state of Hawaii, providing therapy services to residents on all the islands via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in treating anxiety, past trauma, depression, self-worth/self-love, OCD, those with past domestic violence and bullying experiences, substance use, and stress. My primary approach is to use cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and some psychodynamic psychology.

My approach

My therapeutic approach is very interactive and solution-based. I am first and foremost a "trauma-informed" therapist, and my approach to therapy always comes from this lens. This approach is based on the belief that we react to the world with the intention of protecting ourselves. Sometimes, the behavior that once protected us in the past no longer serves that purpose but instead begins to have a negative impact on us. Thus, I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) where we learn about your thoughts and feelings and how that leads to behavior. Then, we learn and build new behaviors and skills to help you cope. I also like to blend mindfulness and psychodynamic theory. This involves exploring how past experiences have led to where you are and how your thought process works. Mindfulness helps you become aware of your thoughts and feelings in the moment and also leads to a more positive sense of self and overall acceptance. It is also important to know that your feelings are valid and are oftentimes the result of dealing with the overall craziness of life.

My focus

I currently only work with adults. Different conditions I treat are general anxiety, PTSD and related disorders, OCD and related disorders, eating disorders, Depression, self-injurious behavior, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. I also treat conditions that stem from non-sexual trauma. This ranges from systemic trauma, traumatic injuries, and domestic violence, to childhood trauma. I also work with those who suffer from poor self-image/self-worth, who struggle with emotional regulation/outbursts, those who want to explore and work on their attachment styles, and those who struggle with assertive communication.

My communication style

I like to take a collaborative approach to therapy, continuously checking in with you and making it person-centered. This involves hearing your feedback, your thoughts and concerns, and desire for treatment. If something is not working for you or you want to try a different approach, I want to know. I also have a teaching oriented style, encouraging you to try out new skills and methods during therapy and outside of our time together. Any questions and comments are always welcome with me. I recognize that you are your own expert and I am there to help you through whatever you are going for.

My journey to mental healthcare

My career as a therapist was a long journey. I began my career working in the hospital setting primarily in pediatric ICUs, pediatric oncology wards, and pediatric and adult ERs. I spent 5 years in this setting doing mostly work that dealt with death & dying, and bereavement. Wanting to do more than death & dying, I eventually obtained an MSW and began my career as a hospital social worker in the ER, psychiatric ER, and inpatient psychiatric unit. There, I saw people suffering extreme mental health crises. The lack of resources/therapists to provide care to them outside of the hospital often led to their crisis moments in the setting in which I saw them. This drove me to be a therapist so that I could help people before they reach a crisis. Furthermore, I see providing therapy as a way to heal the world. By helping to heal individuals, my hope is that it creates a ripple effect as they naturally interact in the world moving forward.

My goals for you

I will elicit your initial thoughts on why you decided to seek out therapy. It is ok if you aren't able to put into words or even know what your goals are. If this is the case, I will take the time to help you explore your needs and desires. In addition, I also like to have space for flexibility. If something comes up that is not on our goals or not even remotely related to anything we have ever talked about, that is ok. This is your time, first and foremost, and if something else comes up that feels more pressing, I want you to feel comfortable bringing it up and knowing that we can direct our time on that without worrying.

My first session with you

Our first session with be directed at getting to know one another. This will involve a lot of information gathering about your background, you as a person, and a general inquiring into why you have decided to seek therapy. I will also take the time to discuss your goals and desires.