Charis Wong
Director of KIN & KiDS
Marriage and Family Therapist
Counseling Psychologist
Registered Play Therapist (USA)(Inactive)
Making an appointment to see a psychologist or therapist for the first time can feel intimidating. I hope this introduction helps you get to know me and my clinical background before we meet.
Before entering the mental health field, I attended law school and worked as a litigation and corporate lawyer in Malaysia for six years. I soon realized that my true vocation was not in contesting cases in court, but in working with people therapeutically to help them heal and connect. This led me to pursue a career in mental health, and I have never looked back.
I wear many hats in my professional work. I am a licensed professional counsellor in Malaysia and a psychologist with specialized training in psychological testing and assessments. In Texas, I obtained my intern license as a professional counsellor and my associate license as a marriage and family therapist. To further specialize in my areas of interest, I pursued further post-master’s programs in play therapy, earning my credentials as a USA Registered Play Therapist to work with children, and in Gifted & Talented Education to conduct gifted evaluations. I have also completed advance training and supervision in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and in discernment therapy for couples on the brink of divorce.
My clinical experience includes internships at several community counselling agencies in Texas, working in a psychiatric and chemical dependency care hospital, and supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a state residential home. After returning to Malaysia, I served as a lecturer and clinical supervisor before choosing to focus full-time on clinical practice.
I enjoy the diversity of my work and connecting with people from all over the world. For over 12 years, I have served as the regional counsellor for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Asia Pacific. I have a special interest in working with couples, families, and individuals navigating major life changes, and have been on missions to Bangladesh and Nepal to support both survivors and care providers.
I have been providing psychoeducational and psychological evaluations since 2010 to clarify learning and neurocognitive challenges. I offer neurodivergent-affirmative assessments for ADHD, autism, and specific learning disorders to adults and children worldwide. I also regularly conduct strength-based evaluations for gifted and twice-exceptional children.
As a systemically trained therapist, I believe emotionally fulfilling relationships and a nurturing environment are essential for personal growth. No problem is too small to address in therapy. Whether you need just a few sessions or longer-term support, my goal is to help you be more equipped to face life’s challenges independently.
Outside of work, I am an “imperfect” mother to four “imperfect” school-age children.
Education & Professional Licenses/Accreditation
Post-Master Graduate Academic Certificate in Child Counseling/Play Therapy, University of North Texas, USA
Post-Master Graduate Certificate in Gifted & Talent Education, Montclair State University
M.S. in Counseling Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy), University of North Texas, USA
B.S. in Applied Psychology, Upper Iowa University, USA
L.L.B. (Hons) 2nd Upper, University of Malaya
Registered Play Therapist (Association of Play Therapy, USA) (Inactive)
Registered and Licensed Counselor (#KB01868), Malaysia
Formerly Licensed Professional Counsellor-Intern (LPC-I) (#64698), Texas
Formerly Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) (#201404), Texas
Advocate and Solicitor, Malaysia (inactive)
Other qualifications/training
Certificate of Mediation, Bar Council Malaysia
Certified PREPARE-ENRICH facilitator
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (Basic Externship, Core Skills 1 & 2)
Love & Logic Teacher and Parent Education Independent Facilitator
Discernment Counselling for Couples contemplating divorce, The Doherty Relationship Institute
Supervision Training, American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT)
Becoming a Play Therapy Supervisor, Family and Play Therapy Center, Philadelphia
Professional Affiliation
Professional member, American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN)
charis@kinandkids.com