Nova Luna Center Makawao, HI 96768

"I’m writing this review for the part of me who previously felt terrified to speak up for herself in fear of retaliation. I was a client at Nova Luna from the ages of 15-18 years old, and I am now 21. My mother remains a current client within the program. I felt pressured to stay and was discouraged when I wanted to seek other support. I was given the perception that the program was my only way to heal and that the clinical director was better than any other clinician I could find elsewhere. I felt saddened whenever she spoke poorly about other professionals/programs in the area who others have had positive experiences with. Towards the end of my time at Nova Luna, many of the therapists/clinicians resigned and the clinical director was seeing my mother and I for individual/family therapy as there were no other therapists working within the program. I was not allowed to remain friends with clients who discharged themselves without “graduating,” which saddened me as I built many friendships there. Further, I felt my confidentiality as well as other clients’ confidentiality wasn’t taken seriously compared to how I see my confidentiality being taken now. After an accumulated list of events, I took a leap of faith soon after turning 18 to seek a trauma-informed therapist who I feel safe with. Three years have passed. Since leaving, I have a greater ability to advocate for myself and have grown more than I ever thought possible. I have learned that there are many paths to life and one therapist doesn’t have the power or capacity to be the perfect fit for every client. I have learned that nothing scary will happen if I choose to contact people that I wish to connect with. I have learned that I can bring my thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities to therapy and have it be received without an alarming reaction. I have learned that some people may tell me what they believe is best for me, although at the end of the day, it is me who is living my life and I have the ability to choose who witnesses and supports me through whatever phase I’m in. Most importantly, I can confidently identify what a safe therapeutic relationship is and no longer question if I deserve anything less. As a therapist, you leave an imprint on each client that walks through your door. Additionally, you have the power to choose what kind of imprint you wish to have. There were many wonderful moments at Nova Luna and I will forever be grateful for what I have learned there and for the people I met. However, there were also things that needed improvements towards the end of my time within the program that I have been too afraid to share. I wholeheartedly believe that it’s important for everyone to find support they feel is best for them, whether it's at Nova Luna, another program, or working with a therapist in Private Practice. I wish you the absolute best on your journey towards recovery + healing."