Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Mailani Chang, PsyD, is a licensed mental health counselor with a background in school counseling and decades of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. A native of Japan, she attended high school on the U.S. mainland and brings a rich multicultural perspective to her work. She holds a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling and a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology.
Mailani works with the whole family, with a particular focus on strengthening connections between parents and children. Her approach is collaborative, person-centered, and grounded in each individual’s strengths. “What is your superpower?” is a question she often asks clients, inviting them to recognize the qualities and abilities they can draw upon as they navigate challenges. Her work celebrates each child’s individuality and supports diverse learning needs, abilities, and paths to growth.
Mailani founded Mindful Gallery of Hawaiʻi, inspired by her belief that children are masterpieces, each with unique gifts and possibilities. She envisions her office as a studio where people can explore, experiment, and get messy in the process of discovering and becoming their own masterpiece. Music, art, and play create opportunities for expression and connection alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices.
Rooted in the Rogerian, person-centered tradition, Mailani’s work draws on Eastern and Western philosophies, neuropsychology, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Married into a Hawaiian family, she deeply respects Indigenous values and traditions, including honoring kūpuna, elders, and ancestors. She welcomes clients of all ages and backgrounds, values each person’s story, and honors the role of nature, creativity, and meaningful relationships in healing and growth.