Emily P. Chen, Ph.D.

Therapeutic Approach: I believe that our early relationships influence how we see ourselves, guide how we behave under stress, and shape how we often relate to others, especially the ones who matter most to us. I also believe people have the potential to change, because we generally want to feel better and thrive. In my clinical work, I have witnessed children’s innate capacity to work through painful and confusing experience using art and play therapy. I have also accompanied adults in their tenacious efforts to grapple with and move forward from core beliefs and behavioral patterns that no longer serve them well. Within a safe, consistent, and caring therapeutic relationship, healing and transformation are possible.

As your therapist, I care about fostering a relationship in which you feel seen, heard, and understood. We will work together to address what brought you to therapy. Depending on your goals and values, I will integrate various therapeutic approaches, which include psychodynamic, trauma-informed, cognitive-behavioral, Gestalt, and/or family therapy. I look forward to supporting and challenging you to create the changes you hope for.

Background: I graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. I received both my Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in many settings, including school, hospital, shelter, community mental health clinic, and private practice. In some of these work, I have used my conversational Mandarin and Taiwanese.

Prior to joining Crossroads Institute in 2020, I provided supervision and clinical training in an internship program. I also supported parents, caregivers, and families in addressing children’s difficulty in regulating their emotions, behavioral issues, and adjustment to major changes in the family system, such as illness, death, gender identity issues, separation and divorce. In addition, I worked with older adults at WISE & Healthy Aging on issues of chronic mental health and medical issues, acquired disabilities, and relationships with adult children. Furthermore, I administered comprehensive psychological assessments and incorporated findings in treatment recommendations.