Hsiang “Winnie” Chang, MA, LMHCA, NCC (She/Her)
Growing up as an AAPI in predominantly white spaces has taught me to exist in the liminal—that in-between space where cultures meet, clash, and create something entirely new. I've learned to code-switch not just languages, but entire ways of being, moving between the expectations of home and the demands of belonging elsewhere. As someone who also moved around every couple years—new cities, new schools, new faces—only deepened this sense of in-betweenness, as each relocation meant starting over, rebuilding identity from scratch, and learning to read entirely new social landscapes while carrying the invisible weight of being different.
Background
I have spent most of my career working with college students and young adults, helping them navigate small and Big traumas (Religious/Church, Racial, Childhood, Displacement, Immigrant), self-worth, imposter syndrome, conflict resolution, and more. I have also worked in mentoring and educating in social justice frameworks while destigmatizing mental health in BIPOC communities. I have also partnered with and mentored young women of color regarding racial identity work, self-advocacy work, and navigating leadership spaces in nonprofit, corporate, and church/ministry areas.
Education:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands
Bachelor of Science in Community Health from CSU Long Beach.
Areas of Expertise:
Trauma (C-PTSD, Childhood, Generational, Racial, Displacement, Systemic, Spirituality & Religious), Faith Deconstruction, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Body Image, Grief & Loss, Suppressed Anger, Life Transitions & Adjustments, Navigating through Capitalism, and Impacts of white supremacy & patriarchy.
My Identities:
1.75/2.0 Gen Taiwanese + Malay-Chinese Asian American (Adult Child of Immigrants)
(Heto) Cisgender Female
Neurodivergent (HSPer)
An individual living with an Autoimmune disorder
Who I Best Work With
1.75-2.0 generation adult children of immigrants
Those navigating the unique experience of being raised between their family's heritage and mainstream American culture.
AAPI individuals feeling "in-between" spaces
Those experiencing discomfort from not feeling fully accepted in either culture require constant adjustment of language, behavior, and presentation depending on their environment.
AAPI women aged 18-35
Those dealing with identity formation, family expectations, relationships, career pressures, and cultural integration challenges.
C-PTSD survivors on their healing journey
Those working through complex trauma who are ready to engage in deeper therapeutic work and rebuild their sense of self and safety.
People seeking culturally affirming care & decolonial care
Those who want therapy that honors their cultural background and challenges Western-centric therapeutic models, focusing on healing approaches that recognize the impact of whiteness, colonization, and systemic oppression.
Young adults navigating life transitions
Those who are in college through early thirties facing major life decisions, relationship challenges, or identity questions.