Fabio Cardoso, MS, Pre-Licensed MFT
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy in Honolulu
Fabio Cardoso provides therapy for individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families, offering both in-person counseling in Honolulu and telehealth appointments statewide. Fabio has a particular passion for couples therapy. He believes that relationships are often where our deepest joys, wounds, hopes, and fears emerge. Helping couples move from cycles of conflict, distance, and misunderstanding toward greater connection, trust, and security is some of the most rewarding work.
Fabio draws from several therapeutic approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Systems Theory. Rather than rigidly applying a single model, Fabio tailors therapy to the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family.
Fabio has been practicing for 2 years as a Pre-Licensed MFT since 2024.
Insurance and Fees: Fabio does not accept any insurance plans and his standard rate is $90 per session. Sliding scale fee reductions are available, please schedule a consultation to see if you may qualify for a reduced rate.
Fabio is currently accepting new clients for individual, couples, and family therapy. Please use the button below to schedule an appointment for a free 1 hour consultation.
Background and Experience
Fabio received his master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 2024, where he was honored to be named Outstanding Graduate in the program. He has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. His methodology integrates elements from EFT, Narrative, IFS, Gottman, and Systems Theory. Below is a brief message from Fabio:
“My approach is rooted in the humanistic values of empathy, authenticity, and compassion while looking at all situations through systemic and contextual lenses. I believe our identities and self-narratives cannot be separated from the social, cultural, political, and historical contexts in which we live. Attending to this broader context allows for deeper understanding and more meaningful change. With empathy and humility, we can begin to explore new ways of making sense of your experiences and to shape narratives that are richer, more complex, and more aligned with who you want to be.”.
“Each of us wants to be seen and heard, to connect and to belong. The stories we tell about ourselves shape who we are, what we believe, who we become, and how we interact with the world. I believe that emotions play a central role in this process. Emotions are our guides. When listened to with curiosity and compassion, they lead us toward our deepest needs, values, and purpose.”
“Whether you are an individual looking for help with anxiety, depression, or finding purpose, a family stuck in patterns and struggling with conflict, or a couple working through infidelity (or just having a hard time living with each other), I’d be honored and humbled to lend my support.”
FAQS
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The consultation is mostly a conversation — Fabio will share more about the therapeutic process, ask more details about what brought you in, what's been going on in your life, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. He’ll also give you a chance to get a feel for whether working together feels like a good fit, answer any questions you may have about the process, and ask for you to share any feedback on how you’re feeling. There's no pressure, and nothing you share will be judged. If you determine your needs might be better suited with a different clinician Fabio can offer referral options as well.
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Fabio strives to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, heard, respected, and understood. As a therapist he shows up in sessions with warmth, authenticity, calm, and empathy. IHe considers consider himself perceptive and deeply invested in understanding his client’s experiences.
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Fabio draws from several therapeutic approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Systems Theory. Rather than rigidly applying a single model, Fabio tailors therapy to the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family.
In his work with couples, EFT plays a central role. Fabio believe emotions are not obstacles to overcome but important sources of information. He uses EFT to help couples learn to understand and express our emotions in new ways, uncover deeper needs and longings, strengthen attachment bonds, and interrupt the negative cycles that keep couples stuck. He also uses the Gottman method to provide practical skills and discussions to help couples solidify changes at home.
With individuals, he uses IFS and Narrative Therapy to help individuals explore parts of themselves, personal meaning, and preferred ways of relating to their story. DBT skills may also be incorporated when clients benefit from tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, or interpersonal effectiveness.
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An MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) is trained to work with the emotional and relational patterns that shape how we think, feel, and connect with others. Unlike psychiatrists, MFTs do not prescribe medication. Unlike psychologists, who often focus on assessment and diagnosis, MFTs are specifically trained in relationship systems — meaning Fabio looks not just at the individual, but at how your relationships, family history, and life context are shaping your experience. If you're looking for talk therapy focused on real, lasting change in how you feel and relate to others, an MFT is often the right fit.
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After completing their master’s degree, MFT’s are required to work under supervision of a Licensed MFT for at least 2 years until they have gathered 1000 hours of direct client experience before they can take their licensing exam. A Pre-Licensed MFT can often be a good fit for clients who need greater accessibility and additional oversight on their case.
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Fabio often works with issues including:
Relationship conflict and communication difficulties
Infidelity and rebuilding trust
Emotional disconnection in relationships
Anxiety and depression
Shame and self-criticism
Life transitions and questions of identity or purpose
Family conflict and parenting challenges
Children's emotional and behavioral concerns
Differences in values, beliefs, expectations, and family rules
Power imbalances and relational dynamics
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Fabio does not accept any insurance plans. Fabio’s standard rate is $90 per session and offers a sliding scale to reduce price depending on client’s need. Schedule a consultation to review your specific situation.
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Yes, Fabio offers telehealth sessions for clients anywhere in Hawaiʻi, in addition to in-person appointments at the Honolulu office. Many clients find telehealth just as effective as in-person therapy, and it's a good option if you have a busy schedule, live on a neighbor island, or simply prefer meeting from home. For online couple’s counseling, Fabio recommends you do both join from the same space rather than different devices.