Healing After Abuse: Reclaiming Peace and Rebuilding Self
Trauma-Informed Therapy Rooted in Advocacy and Real-World Experience
At Stillwater Wellness Center, we offer compassionate therapy for individuals healing from domestic violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, coercive control, and relationship trauma. Our services are available in person in Hilo and virtually throughout Hawaiʻi, providing a safe and supportive space for your healing journey.
Domestic Violence Support
Sexual Abuse Recovery
Emotional Abuse Counseling
Coercive Control Therapy
Meet Lisa Lucia
Lisa brings nearly 20 years of dedicated experience in the advocacy field, specializing in support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Her leadership in survivor advocacy programs and expertise in crisis response and systems navigation allow her to offer a unique, trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach to therapy. Lisa's deep understanding of the legal, medical, and emotional systems that survivors encounter bridges clinical work with real-world advocacy, ensuring clients receive empathetic and knowledgeable care.
Clinical Training and Supervision
Clinical Supervision and Collaborative Care
After nearly two decades working in the advocacy field, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, Lisa saw firsthand the critical need for more trauma-informed clinicians on Hawaiʻi Island. Many survivors struggle to find therapists who truly understand the complex dynamics of abuse, coercive control, and the systems survivors must often navigate while healing. Recognizing the shortage of specialized clinicians in this area, Lisa made the decision to pursue clinical licensure so she could expand the ways she supports survivors, bridging the gap between advocacy and therapeutic care.
Lisa is currently completing the clinical internship portion of her graduate counseling program as she works toward full licensure as a mental health counselor. All therapy services provided through Stillwater Wellness are clinically supervised by Kevin Faust, LMHC, the clinical director of Akahai Emotional Wellness. This supervision ensures that therapy services are delivered with appropriate ethical oversight and professional clinical guidance while maintaining the high standards of trauma-informed care clients deserve.
Clinical Supervision by Akahai Emotional Wellness
Stillwater Wellness works in collaboration with Akahai Emotional Wellness, a counseling practice based in East Hawaiʻi that provides trauma-informed therapy and mental health services. Clinical supervision for therapy services is provided by Kevin Faust, LMHC, the clinical director of Akahai Emotional Wellness, ensuring that all therapy provided through Stillwater Wellness is delivered with appropriate clinical oversight and professional guidance.
A Network of Experienced Therapists
Akahai Emotional Wellness is home to a team of licensed and pre-licensed therapists with diverse specialties, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and abuse recovery. This collaborative relationship allows clients to access a broader network of experienced professionals when specialized care may be helpful.
Thoughtful Referrals When Needed
While some clients may work directly with Lisa through Stillwater Wellness, others may benefit from working with therapists at Akahai Emotional Wellness whose clinical expertise is better aligned with their specific needs. When that happens, referrals are made thoughtfully to ensure each person receives the most appropriate and effective support.
Comprehensive Support Services
Abuse Recovery Counseling
Specialized counseling aimed at supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, focusing on empowerment and reclaiming personal autonomy.
Relationship Trauma Support
Guidance and therapy for those recovering from emotionally abusive or coercive relationships, helping to rebuild trust and self-worth.
Trauma Therapy
Our trauma therapy sessions are designed to help individuals process and heal from past traumatic experiences, providing a safe and supportive environment for recovery.
Core Principles of Clinical Care
Clinical Approach to Trauma Recovery
Trauma-Informed Care
Therapy is grounded in trauma-informed principles that recognize the neurological, emotional, and relational impacts of trauma. Sessions focus on creating a safe and regulated therapeutic environment while supporting clients in processing difficult experiences, building insight, and strengthening adaptive coping strategies.
Survivor Empowerment
Treatment is guided by a collaborative, client-centered approach that respects each individual's pace, autonomy, and lived experience. Therapy focuses on restoring a sense of personal agency, strengthening emotional resilience, and supporting meaningful progress toward stability and well-being.
Who May Benefit from Our Services
Survivors of Domestic Violence
Individuals who have experienced domestic violence and are seeking a supportive space to heal and rebuild their lives.
Victims of Sexual Abuse
Those who have suffered sexual abuse and are looking for compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to process their experiences.
Individuals in Recovery from Coercive Control
People recovering from relationships characterized by manipulation and control, aiming to restore their sense of self.
Persons Experiencing Complex Trauma
Clients dealing with the effects of multiple traumatic events, seeking comprehensive therapeutic support.
Those Rebuilding After Harmful Situations
Individuals who have left harmful environments and are working towards a stable and fulfilling future.
Clients Seeking Emotional Healing
Anyone looking to integrate emotional healing with practical life changes for a balanced and empowered life.
People Needing Support for Relationship Trauma
Individuals affected by relationship trauma, seeking guidance to navigate their emotions and rebuild trust.
Survivors Seeking Empowerment
Survivors who wish to reclaim their autonomy and confidence through supportive and empowering therapy.
Your Questions Answered
We understand that you may have questions about our services and how we can support you. Below are some of the most common inquiries we receive, along with our responses to help guide you.
What types of therapy approaches do you use?
My work is trauma-informed and integrative, meaning I draw from several evidence-informed approaches depending on each client’s needs. These may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed stabilization strategies, psychoeducation about abuse dynamics, and relational approaches that help clients understand patterns in relationships and rebuild a sense of safety and personal agency. Rather than using a single rigid model, therapy is tailored to support each person’s goals, experiences, and pace.
What kinds of concerns do you work with in therapy?
I focus primarily on individuals who are navigating or recovering from experiences such as:
• domestic violence
• sexual abuse or sexual assault
• emotional abuse
• coercive control
• relationship trauma
• complex trauma
Many clients are also working through the emotional and practical challenges that arise after leaving harmful relationships.
Are you a licensed therapist?
I am currently completing the clinical internship portion of my graduate counseling program as I work toward licensure as a mental health counselor. All therapy services provided through Stillwater Wellness are delivered under the clinical supervision of Kevin Faust, LMHC, the clinical director of Akahai Emotional Wellness in Hilo. This supervision ensures that therapy services are provided with appropriate ethical oversight and professional clinical guidance.
What happens if I’m not a good fit for therapy with you?
Part of providing ethical care is ensuring that clients are matched with the therapist who best meets their needs. If it appears that another clinician would be a better fit, referrals may be made to therapists at Akahai Emotional Wellness, a group counseling practice in East Hawaii with clinicians who specialize in a wide range of mental health concerns. This allows clients to access the most appropriate level of care.
What are your therapy fees?
Therapy services are offered on a sliding scale while I am completing my clinical internship hours. This reduced fee structure allows therapy to remain accessible while still providing professionally supervised care.
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, therapy services through Stillwater Wellness are private pay only and insurance is not accepted. Clients are responsible for payment at the time of the session.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. Therapy sessions are available in person in Hilo and virtually for clients located anywhere in the state of Hawaiʻi.
What should I expect during the first session?
The first session focuses on getting to know you, understanding what has brought you to therapy, and discussing your goals for support. You will not be expected to share your entire story right away. The goal is to begin building a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship.
How often do people typically attend therapy?
Most clients begin with weekly sessions, though the frequency may vary depending on individual needs, schedules, and goals for therapy.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Therapy sessions are confidential within the limits required by law. During your first session, we will review confidentiality policies in detail so you understand how your information is protected.
Because I am currently completing the clinical internship portion of my graduate counseling program, some sessions may be recorded for supervision and training purposes as part of my academic requirements. These recordings are used only for professional feedback from my supervisor or training program, and client identifying information is kept confidential. Your consent will always be obtained in advance, and you may decline recording if you are not comfortable.
How do I know if therapy is the right step for me?
Many people reach out to therapy when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward after difficult experiences. If you are considering therapy and wondering whether it might help, you are welcome to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and explore whether this approach feels like a good fit.
Reach Out for Support
If you're considering therapy and wish to explore how our approach can support your healing journey, we invite you to connect with us. Whether you seek more information or are ready to schedule an initial consultation, we're here to help you take the next step towards reclaiming peace and rebuilding your sense of self. Reach out today to discover how Stillwater Wellness Center can be a part of your healing process.