Aaron Collins, LMFT, LLC

04/26/2026

We visited Moab Giants Dinosaur Park in Moab, Utah and it made me think how our families can often seem like Jurassic Park with anger outbursts, adult tantrums and kid chaos. Well, good thing there’s no such thing as a perfect family! We discuss how families often struggle with conflict and communication challenges, but we’re here to help. We specialize in family therapy, parenting support, and working with children and adolescents. We explain how underlying issues like anxiety or school stress may be causing behavioral problems, and how our therapists build rapport while assessing your family’s needs. Over time, we provide psychoeducation on improving communication and connection. We address how therapy can feel intimidating at first but becomes a safe, comfortable space for growth. We also explore emotional hardness—sometimes protective but often blocking connection—and how processing feelings in therapy helps families reconnect. Finally, we discuss anger as a valid emotion that signals unmet needs, emphasizing the importance of expressing those needs to foster understanding. AkuaFamilyTherapy FamilyCommunication MentalWellness YoureNotAlone EmotionalHealth FamilyHealing AnxietySupport HealthyRelationships TherapyJourney

04/25/2026

If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been… I’ve been on a self-care journey.

Taking intentional time to rest, reflect, and reset is something I don’t just encourage—I practice it.

I’m coming back rejuvenated and ready to continue supporting my clients toward their goals, and walking alongside my therapist supervisees in their ongoing professional growth.

Grateful for the journey—and excited for what’s ahead.

BurnoutPrevention RefillYourCup HealingJourney

04/19/2026

I’m out here at Dead Horse Point State Park working on my self-care.

This is something I try to do 2–3 times a year—a reset to avoid burnout and stay grounded.

What do you do to avoid burnout? How do you take care of yourself throughout the year? 🌿

04/17/2026

Follow us for more from our Self Care Trip. We’ll be photo dumping and posting encouraging selfcare tips from our trip!

04/16/2026

Eh, plenty people no like go therapy… dey tink, “What if I get judged?” or “What if somebody find out my business?” 🤔

But check dis—therapy get rules fo protect YOU. HIPAA mean yo therapist no can just go tell people yo story. Da only time dey gotta say something is if somebody in danger or abuse going on.

So real talk—therapy is one safe place. No shame, no judgment. Just one space fo talk story, work through stress, trauma, relationship stuff… and even build up yo confidence and who you are 💯

At Akua Family Therapy, we get space fo individuals, couples, and families fo heal and grow together.

Ready fo take dat first step?
👉 Go www.AkuaFamilyTherapy.net and fill out one contact form 🤙

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04/10/2026

The Hawaiian Hammah approach to family therapy - a method that helps us pause, take a breath, and communicate our feelings and needs from the heart in a healthier way. At Akua Family Therapy, we’re creating a safe space where your voice is heard, your story is honored, and your pain is embraced. We guide families through slowing down the drama and finding peace through the words they speak, building stronger connections every day.

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04/05/2026

Three Days Changed Everything

On the third day, everything changed.

There was a great earthquake—so powerful that the stone sealing Jesus’ tomb was rolled away. The Roman guards stood there, shaken and terrified… and when they looked inside, the tomb was empty.

He is risen.

This moment isn’t just history—it’s hope.
Because Jesus is alive, we are not stuck in death, despair, or darkness. We are invited into new life, freedom, and purpose.

Today, we celebrate the resurrection—the power that reminds us we can truly live.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Easter filled with hope, peace, and new beginnings.

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03/28/2026

Connecting, growing, and strengthening our clinical community 🌿
Grateful for another meaningful monthly therapist gathering—where collaboration, learning, and support come together to better serve our clients and our islands.

Mahalo for creating space for connection and continued growth.

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03/27/2026

At Akua Family Therapy, we are excited to welcome new cash pay clients seeking high-quality, personalized care without the limitations of insurance. If you’re ready to invest in your mental health, relationships, and personal growth, our team is here to support you.

We currently have availability with two skilled therapists—Kristi Efford and Seth Moran—both offering sessions at an affordable rate of $115 per 55-minute session.

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Why Choose Cash Pay Therapy?

Choosing cash pay (private pay) therapy gives you greater flexibility, privacy, and access to care without long waitlists or insurance restrictions.

Benefits include:
• No diagnosis required for coverage
• Greater confidentiality (no insurance reporting)
• More freedom in treatment approach and pace
• Increased availability and scheduling flexibility

For many individuals, couples, and families, cash pay therapy allows for a more personalized and effective experience.

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Meet Our Therapists

Kristi Efford, MFT

Specialties:
• Anger Management
• Premarital Counseling
• Pre-Engagement Therapy
• Co-Parenting Therapy
• Women’s Issues
• Parenting Support

Kristi holds a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and brings a warm, relational, and structured approach to her work. She is especially passionate about helping couples build strong foundations before marriage and supporting families navigating transitions such as separation or co-parenting.

Her work in anger management and parenting support helps clients develop emotional awareness, practical tools, and healthier communication patterns that create lasting change.

Kristi is also a great fit for women seeking support with identity, relationships, and emotional well-being in a safe, supportive environment.

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Seth Moran, MFT & PCC

Specialties:
• Men’s Issues
• Individual Therapy for Men
• Support for Elderly/Aging Men
• Marriage & Couples Therapy
• Anger Management

Seth holds dual training in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC), giving him a well-rounded and integrative clinical perspective.

He specializes in working with men navigating challenges such as:
• Stress and pressure
• Relationship struggles
• Emotional expression and communication
• Life transitions and aging

Seth provides a grounded, approachable space where men can process openly and build tools for stronger relationships and personal clarity. He also works with couples seeking to rebuild connection and improve communication.

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Our Approach at Akua Family Therapy

At Akua Family Therapy, we take a trauma-informed, relationship-focused approach to care. We believe that healing happens in the context of safe, supportive relationships—whether you are coming in as an individual, couple, or family.

We offer both mainstream clinical therapy and Christian-integrated counseling upon request, allowing you to align your care with your personal values and beliefs.

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Investment in Your Growth
• $115 per 55-minute session
• Flexible scheduling options
• No insurance required

This rate reflects our commitment to providing affordable, high-quality therapy while maintaining accessibility for our community.

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Who Is a Good Fit for Cash Pay Therapy?

You may be a great fit if you:
• Want to start therapy quickly without waitlists
• Prefer privacy and confidentiality
• Are motivated for personal growth and relationship improvement
• Are seeking specialized support (anger management, premarital, co-parenting, men’s or women’s issues)

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Get Started Today

Taking the first step toward change can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re ready to begin:
👉 Visit our website: www.AkuaFamilyTherapy.net
👉 Click “Get Started” to complete our intake form

You can also call or text us at 808-646-3150 for assistance with scheduling.

Welcome to Akua Family Therapy Christian Faith-Based & Trauma-Informed Counseling in Hawaii At Akua Family Therapy, we offer compassionate, professional mental health services rooted in clinical excellence and Christian values. Established in 2018 and located in Kurtistown on the Big Island of

03/19/2026

I need your help. Can you tell me honestly, what have you learned in your relationships about getting through hard times in your relationship? For example i learned that it’s better to say sorry even when you don’t know what you’re sorry for! 😂 Another one i learned was when I’m confused and getting pi**ed, it’s better to take a step back and try to figure out what she’s needing or better yet i can ask her, “bebe I’m confused, what do you need?”

03/19/2026

1. Contempt destroys emotional safety

Looking down on your partner (criticism, eye-rolling, superiority) communicates:

“You are less than me.”

In relationship science (especially Gottman’s work), contempt is the strongest predictor of relationship breakdown. It erodes:
• Trust
• Respect
• Emotional safety

Without safety, partners stop opening up → connection dies.

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2. Curiosity keeps the relationship alive

Looking up with curiosity says:

“There’s more to you that I want to understand.”

Curiosity shifts you from:
• Judging → Understanding
• Reacting → Exploring

Instead of:
“Why are you like this?” (criticism)
You move toward:
“Help me understand what’s going on for you.”

This creates movement instead of gridlock.

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3. Affection meets core emotional needs

Affection communicates:
• “You matter to me”
• “I still choose you”

Even during conflict, small signals of affection:
• Soften defensiveness
• Regulate the nervous system
• Keep connection intact while working through issues

Without affection, conflict becomes combat instead of repair.

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4. Attention builds connection over time

Attention is how love becomes felt, not just assumed.

When you look at your partner with attention:
• You notice subtle emotions
• You catch bids for connection
• You respond instead of miss them

Small moments of attention = long-term intimacy deposits

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5. “Looking up” restores humility and honor

There’s also a deeper relational/spiritual layer here.

Looking up says:
• “You are valuable”
• “You are someone I’m still learning from”
• “I don’t fully have you figured out”

It fights pride and creates mutual honor, which is foundational in both healthy psychology and biblical relationships (e.g., “outdo one another in showing honor” – Romans 12:10).

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Simple way to remember it:
• Contempt → Disconnection
• Curiosity → Understanding
• Affection → Softening
• Attention → Bonding

12/20/2025