Lori Shinsato, LCSW

Lori Shinsato is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Hawaii. She has five years in clinical practice and long experience working across the islands as a social worker since 2008. Lori aims to be approachable and present in sessions so people feel heard and respected.

Her practice emphasizes calm, conversational, person-centered care. She listens first, and then tailors her approach to each person's needs. Sessions focus on what matters to the client and on practical steps that can help in everyday life.

Lori has a background supporting older adults and their caregivers, and she often works with people facing chronic illness or end-of-life concerns. She also helps with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, sleep problems, compassion fatigue, and ADHD-related challenges.

Her therapeutic style draws on methods that are straightforward and goal oriented. She uses tools from cognitive behavioral approaches, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused work depending on what fits the person. Care and respect for cultural values rooted in Hawaiian community life inform how she connects with clients.

Outside of therapy, Lori enjoys museums, live theater, and hobbies that keep her focused. She brings a grounded, supportive presence to sessions and aims to help people feel empowered to make changes that matter to them.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Many of Lori's sessions build on cognitive behavioral ideas that look at how thoughts, behaviors, and habits interact. CBT techniques help break down problems into small steps and teach practical skills to manage anxiety, mood, and sleep. Mindfulness Therapy is another approach she uses to help people notice thoughts and feelings without getting swept away by them, which can aid stress, grief, and compassion fatigue.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Lori will listen to your goals and preferences and suggest methods that fit your situation. She collaborates with you to try approaches, check what helps, and adjust plans when needed so the work stays useful and relevant.

If you plan to use online therapy, confirm the available session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Many people find remote sessions make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Remote work can also let someone join when they are caring for an older adult or managing medical appointments, so scheduling may be more flexible to match everyday life.