My Specialty

In practice since 1992, I specialize in providing psychotherapy to individuals within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, as well as all people dealing with adult mental health issues, aging, medical illness, and disability.

My Credentials

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Hawaii
  • Master of Social Work, University of Maryland School of Social Work, 1992

My Psychotherapy Approach

I believe in creating a warm and validating space where you can explore your experiences without judgement and create effective solutions. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy and tailored to your unique needs and strengths. As a clinical social worker, I strive to help you see your challenges in the context of your environment. Clients often find relief in understanding that their difficulties are often normal responses to invalidating environments and real-world stressors.

In our work together, I draw upon a variety of psychotherapy techniques, psycho-education, and skills training specific to your needs. My training includes many clinical treatment models including classical psychosocial, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Problem-Solving, Ecological Systems, and others. I believe in a collaborative partnership and value providing regular feedback.


My Experience

With over three decades of experience as a therapist, I’ve had the privilege of supporting a diverse range of clients in various settings. My journey began in Philadelphia, providing compassionate care at the Philadelphia Geriatric Center and later Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, where I assisted individuals and their families navigating aging, illness, and significant disabilities such as stroke, spinal cord injury, dementia, and amputation. 

My path then led me to San Francisco, where I provided home-based therapy and case management to individuals with similar needs through Medicare-certified home health agencies. Returning to the East Coast, in Connecticut, I expanded my focus to advocacy and support for individuals with serious illnesses and disabilities such as cancer, AIDS, and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) before transitioning to hospice and palliative care.

Since the mid-2000s, my passion has centered on community mental health. In New York, at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center, and later here in Hawaii at the Windward Oahu Community Mental Health Center, I provided diagnostic assessments and psychotherapy for adults experiencing a wide spectrum of mental health concerns. I also led groups focused on anger management and DBT skills training.

Drawing on this rich and varied experience, I established my private practice in Hawaii in 2011 where I continued my commitment to adult mental health and expanded my specialization to include LGBT affirming therapy. I am dedicated to helping you navigate life’s challenges and build a more fulfilling future.


Milestones


Alan R. Spector, LCSW, Psychotherapist
PO Box 6536, Kaneohe, HI 96744

(808) 729-7737
[email protected]

Tue-Sat by Appointment