Elise Kaneshiro, 25

#MyTherapyJourney

Elise Kaneshiro, 25

📍 Waimanalo, Hawaii

“I have been the subject of sexual harassment and assault during my teen years. This resulted in me entering into unhealthy relationships and trying to drown my pain throughout my early 20’s.

Luckily, I had access to mental health professionals for many years who helped me to work through the various traumas I had experienced. Although it was difficult for me to change my habits and oftentimes to stop myself from self destruction, my therapist helped me overcome my self-harming behaviors. I have since worked for the Sex Abuse Treatment Center and the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. I strive to channel my own challenges with mental health into something positive that can help others. My law school thesis is on gender-based violence and mental health. I advocate for providing lifetime medical services, including trauma-informed mental health services, to victims of violence.”