Evidence-Based Treatment

Grounded in Hawaiian values. Built on experiential healing.

Pearl Haven's trauma-responsive, attachment-focused treatment model integrates individual therapy, group treatment, and experiential programming into one unified continuum of care for youth ages 11 to 18.

Our Approach

The Therapeutic Milieu

Pearl Haven's trauma-responsive and attachment-focused milieu catalyzes a uniquely beneficial experience for youth. Every element of the environment, from daily routines to peer interactions, is designed to create safety, build connection, and support healing.

Core Framework

Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®)

TBRI® is an evidence-based approach developed at Texas Christian University that emphasizes healing through relationship. At Pearl Haven, TBRI® guides every interaction between staff and youth, creating the conditions for genuine trust, emotional regulation, and lasting change.

  • Safety through connection and structure
  • Emotional regulation and co-regulation
  • Trigger prevention and trauma processing
  • Support for successful community reintegration

Integrated Model

Assessment, Treatment & Evaluation as One

Assessment, evaluation, and treatment function as one integrated process beginning at admission. Pearl Haven collaborates with youth and their support systems to create targeted, individualized treatment goals.

Clinical Review
Within 48 hours of admission
Treatment Plan
Individualized for each youth
Level of Care
24/7 Residential

Experiential & Expressive

Healing Beyond the Therapy Room

Research consistently shows that experiential programming is a critical complement to clinical therapy for youth with complex trauma. At Pearl Haven, every activity is therapeutically intentional.

Guitars and a keyboard sit next to an amplifier on the floor.
Arts & Expression

Creative Arts & Music

  • Kapena School of Music, Dance & Unspoken Word
  • Expressive Arts (Jewelry Making, Sewing, Clay, Lei Making)
  • Trauma-Informed Photography
  • Creative arts & self-expression workshops
Two horses lean their heads towards each other.
Nature & Animal Therapy

Land, Sea & Animal Connection

  • Therapeutic Gardening & Agricultural Therapy
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy
  • Therapeutic Horseback Riding
  • Connection with the natural environment
A cresting wave crashes on the beach.
Movement & Wellness

Body-Based Healing

  • Wave Alliance Surf Therapy & ocean access
  • Koa Yoga & mindful movement
  • Recreational Therapy (Pickleball, Basketball, Tennis)
  • Heart Math & Health and Wellness / Self-Care
A basket of fresh fall vegtables sitting on the grass.
Community & Life Skills

Growth & Real-World Readiness

  • Culinary Arts
  • Beauty Empowerment Group
  • STEM Programming & Math Tutoring
  • All Things Possible Ministries

Group & Individual Treatment

Specialized Treatment Groups

Each treatment group addresses specific clinical needs while strengthening protective factors. Individualized treatment plans serve as a roadmap to healing and goal attainment, adapted continuously as each youth progresses.

Individual & Family

Trauma Therapy

Individual and family therapy promoting healing and growth. Our licensed clinicians use evidence-based approaches tailored to each youth's trauma history and current needs.

Evidence-Based

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Structured DBT programming for youth experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and mood or relationship concerns. Builds core coping and distress tolerance skills.

TF-CBT Approach

Grief & Loss

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) addressing complex grief and historical losses. Supports youth in processing loss while building resilience.

Supportive Skills

Substance Use

A supportive group focused on skill development, coping strategies, communication, and confidence building for youth navigating substance use challenges.

Psychoeducation

Teen Relationships

Counseling and psychoeducation on healthy choices, boundaries, self-esteem, attachment, and conflict resolution. Builds the foundation for safe, healthy relationships.

TBRI-Derived

Nurture Groups

TBRI-derived groups focusing on healthy, trusting attachments and relationships for youth with complex trauma histories. Emphasizes connection, safety, and belonging.

Pro-Social

Positive Skills & Youth Development

Pro-social skill development for school, employment, relationships, and self-awareness. Prepares youth for successful reintegration into their communities.

Specialized Techniques

Additional Clinical Modalities

Our clinical team is trained in a range of specialized evidence-based techniques applied individually based on each youth's treatment plan.

EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
ART
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Collaborative, goal-oriented approach to change
Anger Management
Evidence-based regulation and coping strategies
Harm Reduction
Pragmatic, youth-centered risk reduction

The light continues

Find hope here.

When a young person needs specialized trauma care, Pearl Haven offers a protected place to rebuild safety, identity, connection, and hope.

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