About Dr. Chavez
I've lived in West Hawaii since 1989 and have dual licensure as a psychologist and marriage and family therapist. I conduct psychotherapy, consultations, and evaluations (both psychological and socio-educational).
Viewing client's problems through the lens of positive psychology, I believe we have the opportunity to function at our optimal level. Rather than fixing your problems, I offer practical tools to help work through life challenges.
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, ballroom dancing, and ocean sports.
The following describes my educational credentials and work expertise:
EDUCATION
- Doctor of Philosophy - Clinical Psychology Specialization. Capella University Harold Abel School of Psychology, Minnesota.
- Scholarship Recipient: Barbara Alice Mowers Women's Memorial Scholarship
- Honors: Outcome & Program Research Evaluation; Embodiment of Scholar-Practitioner Ideals
- Masters of Arts - Human Development. Saint Mary's College, Winona, Minnesota.
CLINICAL EXPERTISE
- Private Practice Psychologist -Kailua-Kona Hawaii.
- School Counselor - Hualalai Academy, Kailua-Kona Hawaii.
- Clinical Care Coordinator - Kapiolani Child Protection Center, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
- Executive Director - Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children, St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Therapist - Child & Family Services, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
- Lecturer - University of Phoenix, Honolulu, Hawaii; Hawaii Community College, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
- Outreach Therapist - Parents Anonymous, Kailua Kona, Hawaii.
- Program Supervisor - Family Support Services of West Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
- Community Services Coordinator - YWCA Sexual Assault Services, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
- Assistant Director - Midway Hospital for Domestic Abuse, St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Children's Advocate - Harriet Tubman Women's Shelter, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
PUBLICATIONS
Scholarly Book Chapter:
Manley, J., & Chavez, D. (2008). Child maltreatment parental assessments. In Hall, H.V. (Ed.), Forensic psychology and neuropsychology for criminal and civil cases.
NonScholarly Book:
Chavez, D. (1997). Fallen feather: A spiritual odyssey.
NonScholarly Book Chapter:
Chavez, D., (1990). Mother earth spirituality: Native American paths to healing ourselves and our world. (pp. 137-148).
PRESENTATIONS – A sample of types of trainings & workshops I've conducted:
- Resilience in these troubled times.
- Positive Psychology: Tools for mental health providers
- If you're happy and you know it: Positive psychology applications
- Transformative growth: Practical tools for our achieving our highest potential
- Thriving in languishing environments
- Depression - Perinatal and Postnatal
- "How to say goodbye" - termination model - clientele transition
- PTSD treatment for severely mentally ill population
- Employees conflict management
- Working with difficult adolescents
- Boundaries & working with clients
- ADHD among children
- Dealing with difficult clients