Wakana Hirota | LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

LCSW  • Virtual and in-person therapy

Wakana Hirota, a licensed therapist, is deeply committed to helping individuals find their peace amidst the relentless pace of life. She understands the profound impact that untreated trauma, depression, and anxiety can have, often leading to exhaustion and a feeling of being overwhelmed. By offering a reflective space for her clients, Wakana encourages them to explore their autonomy and make choices that enhance their quality of life. Her approach is centered on empowering those who feel they have lost their voice or sense of self, guiding them to build emotional resilience and self-trust, particularly in areas needing careful attention. 

Through her counseling sessions, Wakana helps individuals make sense of their stories, enabling them to write their future with a new perception gained from their work together. This transformative process allows clients to integrate their experiences and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose. 

As a first-generation immigrant from Japan who moved to Hawai'i, Wakana brings a unique perspective to her practice. She understands the challenges of navigating two cultures and leverages this personal experience to support immigrant students, adults, and those raised by immigrant parents, helping them weave their past into a cohesive, positive future. 

With nearly two decades of experience across a wide range of settings and populations, Wakana has dedicated over 17 years to the nonprofit sector, working with children in foster care, adoptive and foster parents, youths in group homes, and biological families facing separation. Her commitment to service extends beyond individual therapy sessions through significant contributions to the board of an animal-assisted therapy nonprofit organization and the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB). Wakana values the trust and honor placed in her by the community, seeing these roles as opportunities to deepen her impact. 

Continuously seeking to learn and support various communities, Wakana humbly contributes her experience to both her board positions and her therapeutic practice. She is grateful for the community's trust, viewing her work as an opportunity to further her dedication in hopes to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, guiding them toward a future they envision for themselves.