Ronson Souza, ASW
(he/him)
Ronson, ASW, is a queer, multi-racial (Hawaiian, Japanese, and Portuguese), first-generation college graduate. Born and raised in Hawai’i, he had the opportunity to spend his childhood traveling between O’ahu, Maui, the Big Island, and American Samoa. Ignited by his passion for education, Ronson relocated to California to fulfill his goal of being a social worker.
Academically, Ronson received his associates degree from College of the Desert, his bachelor’s degree in social work from California State University, Los Angeles, and his master’s degree in social work from Columbia University.
Ronson has experience working with Tribal communities in the form of ICWA advocacy, Tribal Family Services case management, and working as a counselor at a Tribal community college. He also brings experience working in crisis intervention in outpatient clinical settings through assisting individuals in adapting to severe mental health symptoms.
He primarily works with others to examine their culture, how it aligns and conflicts with Western influences (colonialism, systemic racism), and using that knowledge to foster reconciliation and create a pathway to healing and goal setting. Additionally, he facilitates examining the roles and identities clients play when interacting with others to pinpoint actions and behaviors to encourage positive, long-term transformation.
When not at work, you can find Ronson at a local library, beach, or Korean BBQ spot.
Specialty Areas:
- Pasifika, Asian, and Indigenous cultures
- Intersectionality
- Role and identity changes
- LGBTQIA2S
- Domestic violence
- Gay men’s mental health
- MMIW/MMIP
Theoretical Approach
- Strengths-Based Perspective (identifying one’s strengths and resources)
- Family Systems Theory (improving family interactions)
- Narrative Therapy (reshape your story to address problems)
- Regional-Cultural Therapy (using your culture to understand issues)
- Motivational Interviewing (creating positive change)
