Divorce and Separation Therapy in Hawaiʻi

Divorce and separation are among the most emotionally difficult experiences an adult can go through, even when the decision is the right one. Grief, anger, uncertainty about the future, guilt, relief, loneliness and  sometimes all at once. Whatever you're feeling, it makes sense. And you don't have to navigate it alone.

I'm Dr. Abby Halston (Ed.D., NCC, LMFT-S), and I provide online individual therapy for adults going through divorce or separation throughout Hawaiʻi. Sessions are via secure telehealth: available statewide from the comfort of your own home.

No two experiences of divorce are the same. For some, it's a sudden rupture. For others, it's the end of a long and painful road. Common emotional experiences include:

• Grief over the loss of the relationship, the future you imagined, or the family structure you had
• Anger, resentment, or a sense of betrayal
• Guilt — especially if children are involved
• Fear about finances, housing, co-parenting, or being alone
• Identity confusion — "who am I outside of this relationship?"
• Relief mixed with sadness, which can feel confusing or hard to admit
• Anxiety about the legal process, dating again, or starting over
• Loneliness, even around friends and family who don't fully understand
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In Hawaiʻi, these challenges can be compounded by tight-knit communities where privacy feels limited, cultural expectations around family and marriage, and the difficulty of accessing consistent support when resources are spread across islands.

Therapy during and after divorce gives you a private, non-judgmental space to process what you're going through at your own pace. I work with adults to:

• Make sense of the complex, often contradictory emotions that come with ending a relationship
• Develop coping strategies for managing daily life during an emotionally overwhelming time
• Work through grief, anger, guilt, or fear in a healthy way
• Rebuild a sense of identity and self-worth outside of the relationship
• Navigate co-parenting challenges with greater clarity and steadiness
• Prepare emotionally for the next chapter, whatever that looks like for you
• 
  

Therapy is not about taking sides, speeding up the process, or telling you what to do. It's about helping you find your footing so you can make decisions from a grounded place rather than a reactive one.

Divorce and separation therapy may be a good fit if you:

• Are in the middle of a divorce or separation and feeling overwhelmed
• Have recently finalized a divorce and are still struggling to move forward
• Are co-parenting and finding it emotionally exhausting
• Are questioning a marriage or relationship and need space to think it through
• Experienced an unexpected separation and are in acute grief
• Want support that's private, accessible, and available statewide in Hawaiʻi

HMSA, UHA, and HMAA insurance accepted for eligible online therapy services throughout Hawaiʻi. Please contact your insurer to verify your behavioral health and telehealth benefits before scheduling.

Can therapy help with divorce even if I'm not in crisis?
Absolutely. Therapy is most effective when you don't wait for a crisis. Whether you're in the early stages of separation, in the middle of legal proceedings, or months past finalizing, therapy can help at any point in the process.

Does Dr. Halston provide couples therapy for divorce?
Dr. Halston provides individual therapy to support adults navigating divorce and separation. Individual therapy focuses on your emotional well-being, coping, and healing- separate from the legal or couples process.

How is divorce therapy different from legal advice?
Therapy focuses on your emotional experience: grief, identity, anxiety, and healing. It is not legal advice. Dr. Halston works alongside attorneys and other professionals as part of a broader support team when needed.

Does Dr. Halston offer divorce therapy online in Hawaiʻi?
Yes. All sessions are conducted via secure telehealth, making therapy accessible to adults across Hawaiʻi : including Oʻahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi.

Does insurance cover therapy for divorce in Hawaiʻi?
HMSA, UHA, and HMAA are accepted for eligible telehealth therapy services. Coverage varies by plan — contact your insurer to confirm your behavioral health and telehealth benefits before your first appointment.

What if I feel relieved about the divorce — is therapy still useful?
Yes. Relief is a completely valid response to the end of a difficult relationship. Therapy can help you process that relief alongside any grief, guilt, or uncertainty that comes with it, without judgment.

How do I get started?
Call (808) 364-7970 or use the contact form to schedule your first appointment. All sessions are held via secure video, accessible from anywhere in Hawaiʻi.