About
I chose the name Ahonui Counseling for my business because of my roots. In the Hawaiian language, words have more than one simple translations. The word “Ahonui” (ah-ho newee) means to give to you the strength to be patient with perseverance in the direction of your dreams and desires, plans and goals, wishes and healing. It is also the love you have for something that you decide it is important, valuable, good, and that nothing at all can replace it in your mind and in your heart.
I am compassionate with being present with you, to hear your story, and work together to better emotional wellness amongst yourself. I want my clients to know that they are not alone in however and whatever is in their way. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this very important work. At Ahonui Counseling my goal is to provide you with all the guidance, healing, and encouragement necessary to have a more unique and life-changing experience.
Lawrence DeFiesta, MSW, LCSWA.
Lawrence’s desire to listen to peoples' stories, to help them feel safe to be themselves and to face their challenges started at a young age. He came from a big family and was blessed with constant interaction. His background taught him how to get along with many different people.
Being born & raised in Hawai’i, a melting pot, Lawrence holds a variety of rich cultural experiences. He was drawn to listening and observing his friends and family and became a natural mediator. In retrospect, Lawrence learned that his major inspiration for becoming a therapist was his knack for guiding people through darkness. Lawrence learned to fight his own battles with hope and determination and from these experiences he knew that he would make an impact in others' lives.
Lawrence’s experiences in counseling are rooted in creativity, travel, and art. After making the decision to move out of his comfort zone and away from home, he traveled extensively. While residing in multiple states he studied people and their environments. He was curious about how people and society worked. His experiences and hardships throughout his journey drew him closer to his calling to social work and his desire to help create social change.
Lawrence is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate with a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of New England where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He was also a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work. Lawrence provides therapy to individuals, couples, adolescents and families. His therapeutic focus includes anxiety, depression, grief & loss, trauma, self-esteem challenges, relationship issues, family conflict, PTSD, life transitions, multi-cultural challenges, and substance use disorders.
Lawrence has extensive experience working with clients of all ages recovering from crisis. His background includes working in a variety of settings including residential, inpatient and outpatient hospitals, and also community mental health organizations. Lawrence is also trained in crisis intervention.
One of his favorite quotes is, "A Person's a person, no matter how small." - Dr. Seuss
