About Paula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW

I help you to feel safe in being open to your authentic self in all its facets.

Paula-Sophia-Schonauer-LCSW

Hello, I am Paula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW.

Are you struggling to assert your sexual or emotional needs in your relationships? As a sex therapist in Honolulu, Hawaii, I provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care to help you deepen your ability to ask for—and receive—what you desire in dating, relationships, and intimacy.

I specialize in sexual health, relationship concerns, and intimacy issues, including communication challenges, desire differences, and patterns that may feel difficult to change. Together, we will explore your experiences, clarify your goals, and create sustainable, meaningful change.

Sexual and relationship health is an essential part of overall well-being. I offer LGBTQIA2S+ affirming therapy, gender-affirming care, and support for neurodivergent clients, creating a space that is non-judgmental, inclusive, and free of sexual shame and guilt. My work also includes being kink-aware and supportive of diverse relationship structures, including ethical non-monogamy.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), along with Interpersonal Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Positive Psychology. My approach is client-centered, feminist, and humanistic, grounded in collaboration and respect for your lived experience.

I recently joined Sex Therapy Hawaii after serving the Central Oklahoma community for nearly ten years, and I am honored to support individuals and couples across Hawaii through telehealth sex therapy and relationship counseling services.

Best,

Paula Sophia Schonauer

Paula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW

Sex Therapy in Honolulu, Hawaii | LGBTQ+ Affirming & Trauma-Informed Care

 How I Can Support You

  • Coping Skills 
  • Dating 
  • Embarrassment About Sex 
  • Ethical Non-Monogamy 
  • Kink Aware 
  • LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Care 
  • Navigating Consent  
  • Neurodiversity 
  • Out of Control Sexual Behavior(s)
  • Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction 
  • Relationship concerns 
  • Poly Knowledgeable 
  • Self-Esteem 
  • Self-Worth
  • Sex Addiction 
  • Sexual Communication 
  • Sexual Diversity 
  • Sexual Concerns
  • Sexual Dysfunctions 
  • Sexual Guilt 
  • Sexual Identity 
  • Shame
  • Trauma
  • Navigating Consent and Boundaries
  • Gender-Affirming Therapy

     

My Training

Human Sexuality Fellowship

 

  • Fellowship in Sexual Health at the Hawaii Center for Sexual and Relationship Health (2026 to the Present)

Additional Trainings

 

  • TEAM – CBT – Level One certification (2022) 

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Ongoing training and practice in CBT (2017 to present)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Ongoing training and practice in ACT (2017 to present)

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – Training in CPT via employer (2017) 

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)- Ongoing training and practice in DBT (2017 to present)

Licenses/ Certifications

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Hawaii, LCSW-5477
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Oklahoma, LCSW- 7516

Education

  • Master of Social Work Degree – University of Oklahoma (2017) 
  • Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing – University of Central Oklahoma (2011) 
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (1988)
  • Certificate, Education For Ministry – University of the South, Sewanee, TN (1999)