Emily P. Chen, Ph.D.
Welcome to my private practice! I am a licensed clinical psychologist who provides online psychotherapy in California. I primarily see adults and seniors who have adverse childhood experiences and are struggling with emotional regulation, relationship difficulty, or the stress of dealing with a chronic illness. I also specialize in supporting women, spouses, and partners affected by perinatal mental health disorders.
I customize each client’s therapy by integrating elements of somatic psychology, psychodynamic theory, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. To learn more about my treatment approaches, please see Practice Information.
You are cordially invited to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and see if you would like to be added to my waitlist for new clients. I look forward to getting to know you, exploring what you would like to change, and working together toward where you would like to be.
How is Dr. Emily Chen different from other therapists?
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences?
Adverse childhood experiences are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. Some examples are:
Witnessed domestic violence
Grew up in a household with substance abuse and/or mental health problems
Suffered abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment by a caretaker
Faced discrimination due to your ability, color, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other areas of diverse identities
Experienced parental separation or divorce
Experienced a parent’s illness and/or death
Lived with instability, e.g., unstable housing, frequent school changes, not having enough food, multiple foster care placements, fled Country of origin as a refugee
What Does the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences Look Like in Adults?
Adverse childhood experiences can have a lasting impact on the development of the parts of the brain that regulate emotions, stress sensitivity, and the immune system. Adverse childhood experiences can also negatively impact one's capacities for attention, learning, and forming stable relationships. Furthermore, childhood trauma increases the risk for a range of chronic diseases later in life. The impact of adverse childhood experiences on individuals varies depending on multiple factors.
You are looking at the right place for help, if you can relate to some of the following:
ADULTS
Feeling sad, hopeless, irritable, agitated, restless, or angry
Feeling overwhelmed and finding it difficult to control your worries
Having difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Having relationship problems with people who matter the most to you
Feeling guilty, ashamed, or worthless
Having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up to start your day
Struggling emotionally to manage a chronic illness or chronic pain
Fatigue, low energy, or getting tired easily
Avoiding social activities, friendships, or having difficulty trusting in a relationship
Not interested or motivated to do anything, even things that once brought you joy and pleasure
Experiencing caregiver strain, resentment, or anger in caring for an aging parent
WORKING PROFESSIONALS
Think you might have ADHD because you are restless, unable to concentrate on tasks, irritable, and impulsive. Yet, you don't meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
Procrastinating with or being overwhelmed by your work
Working long hours due to your perfectionistic tendency
Experiencing performance anxiety and often comparing yourself with peers
Struggling to get along with your colleagues or authority figures
PARENTS
Experiencing postpartum depression or other postpartum mood disorders
Finding yourself frequently irritable or angry with your children but hesitate to talk about it and seek help
Needing parenting skills that work
Struggling with transitions, such as separation and divorce, empty nest, etc.
Grieving the death of a child
SENIORS
Having relationship difficulties with your adult children
Struggling with changes that come with the aging process
Adjusting to acquired physical disability
Experiencing burnout in caregiving for your aging spouse or partner
Grieving and/or adjusting to the losses of significant others, family members, and friends
Indecision about your end-of-life care
To learn more about how Dr. Emily Chen can help, click here.