Yufei Chen

I have been a full-time therapist for more than 15 years. I started my career treating mainly children and adolescents, which taught me how we respond to life events that happen early on in childhood. This was the time I learned how to apply play therapy, sandtray therapy and art to work with minors. I also worked with parents and caregivers to support them to provide what their children needed. Later in my career I treated mainly adult and geriatric populations. I treat people struggle with depression, anxiety, loss, infertility, parenting, interpersonal relationship issues, intimate relationship issues etc. I specialize in treating trauma and work with people that struggle with somatic symptoms as well. In my clinical work with people, I try to meet you where you are. I usually need to see you for a few sessions (usually 4-5 sessions) in the beginning to fully assess what brings you to therapy and what contribute to your concerns. This step is crutial because we can only resolve your concerns successfully when we understand them accurately in the first place. Then I will discuss with you about your goal for therapy and how to accomplish them. This is where I encourage you to ask questions about your therapy and give feedback along the way when we work together. Therapy usually works in two ways: (1) content driven and (2) process driven. In content driven therapy, you usually find out what skills you need and the goal is to learn and master them. Equipped with new skills and insight, you will be able to cope with life's challenges with much more ease. In process driven therapy, what you talk about in each session matter less comparing to your experience of the therapeutic relationship. It is how you are treated in this relationship that provides you with the 'corrective' experience that resolves past relational trauma. Most people benefit from both. We will be able to discuss how therapy will help you after the initial assessment stages. You don't have to be 100% healthy in mental health for you to be discharged from therapy service. Every person has some 'mental issues' which might not interfere with their daily function much. When you reach a point that you feel comfortable to cope with life on your own together with your social support sysstem, you are good to go.