With over 30 years of dedicated service in the State of Hawaiʻi, I have specialized in providing counseling/case management and supervision for incarcerated and community-supervised men, women, and youth. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Correctional Supervisor, I have successfully guided case managers in applying evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. My commitment to promoting rehabilitation and successful reintegration is evident in my collaborative approach to developing individualized treatment plans and ensuring comprehensive care. Through my extensive experience, I have fostered a culture of continuous improvement and advocacy for mental health resources, all while maintaining a focus on supporting clients’ well-being and resilience. 

Aloha! I’m Michelle Wong, a Pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Hawaiʻi with clinical experience working as a Behavioral Health Specialist in the Department of Education and in private practice. Being born and raised on the island of Oʻahu and growing up in a multicultural household, I have learned to embrace diversity with tolerance and understanding. In my adulthood, I had circumstances that were challenging in many aspects of my life. I started consistently using mindfulness to overcome obstacles and increase my resiliency. My therapy style involves a cultural sensitivity approach that uses evidence-based theories to create a safe and supportive environment. I implement a variety of therapeutic approaches that I tailor to my clients’ needs which consist of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution-focused, narrative and art therapy. I believe this method provides the most effective and personalized treatment plan. 

My first clinical experience with the Department of Education as a Behavioral Health Specialist was a great opportunity to work with a diverse group of children and adolescents. This allowed me to work with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, autism, grief/loss, sexual abuse, and relationship issues. My passion is to teach my clients the necessary skills and tools to be resilient and overcome obstacles in their social and emotional aspects of their life. My current professional work in the private practice setting has given me the opportunity to also work with people of different age groups that come from different walks of life. I believe we can overcome any challenges in life by trusting the process, seeing from a new perspective and learning necessary skills. Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time in nature and traveling. I do this for my self care and to balance my personal and work life.

Aloha, my name is Kaira Kaʻaihue. I am a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi, now living in Kailua, Oʻahu. Growing up in a close-knit multicultural community shaped my respect for culture, connection, and the healing power of storytelling, which continues to guide my therapeutic work.

I have experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor, supporting adolescents and families through substance use, family conflict, trauma, mental health concerns, and academic stress. Working in school settings has deepened my commitment to creating a safe, empowering environment where clients feel seen and heard. My warm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive style draws from narrative, solution-focused, art therapy, CBT, and family systems approaches to help clients reconnect with their strengths and move toward their goals.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy nature, staying active, and spending time with my ʻohana and community. I believe balance, humor, and authenticity are essential in both life and therapy.

Growing up in New York, I noticed the richness of diversity and how every person, couple, and family carries their own unique story and perspective. Yet from a young age, I also noticed that some differences were more celebrated than others. This challenged me to question what “belonging” really means. These early experiences sparked my curiosity about human behavior and relationships, and inspired me to listen to stories that often go unheard. Guided by this curiosity, I earned my Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. This training informs my work, helping me see how family, culture, environment, and personal history shape each person’s experiences and choices. In my work, I draw from Narrative Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS), while incorporating DBT-informed skills when clients are seeking practical tools for emotion regulation and mindfulness. At the heart of my approach is authenticity: fostering connection, curiosity, and space to explore the stories that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world. I believe you already hold the key to your own healing and growth. My role is to walk alongside you, to help bring awareness, clarity, and direction as you move toward the next chapter in your story.

Spanish speaking therapist