Arthur Chen, LP - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Arthur Chen

Arthur Chen

(he/him)

LP
15 years of experience
Virtual

Hello! I'm Dr. Arthur Chen, a licensed psychologist in and the Clinical Director of a group practice dedicated to fostering mental wellness. My expertise centers on helping individuals navigate prevalent challenges such as Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, eating disorders, and substance abuse recovery. Beyond these core specializations, our practice is uniquely equipped to address severe mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and psychosis. As Clinical Director, I oversee a team committed to providing comprehensive care across the full spectrum of mental health needs. I'm also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – Level 2 (CCTP-II), meaning I'm highly trained in addressing the lasting effects of trauma. My therapeutic approach integrates powerful, evidence-based models like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). I also utilize the cutting-edge Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders, allowing me to tailor effective strategies that lead to tangible, positive changes in your life. In therapy, my goal is to help you build resilience and develop strong coping skills. We'll work collaboratively to understand your struggles, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and cultivate a stronger, more adaptable you. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety or depression, working through recovery, or exploring personal growth, I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space. I believe investing in therapy is investing in your emotional well-being and happiness. As an engaged therapist, I provide practical tools and insights you can apply to everyday life, guiding you towards lasting fulfillment. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, I'm passionate about empowering individuals to achieve greater emotional balance and a more satisfying life. Ready to take the next step?

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Your First Therapy Session: What to Expect with Dr. Arthur Chen Stepping into therapy for the first time, or with a new therapist, can bring a mix of emotions – perhaps a bit of nervousness, but also hope and anticipation. My priority for your initial session is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and comfortable. Think of our first meeting as an opportunity for us to get to know each other, to lay the groundwork for our collaborative work, and for you to experience my approach firsthand. A Welcoming and Non-Judgmental Space From the moment you arrive, whether virtually or in person, my aim is to cultivate a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. I understand that discussing personal struggles requires immense courage and vulnerability. You won't encounter any preconceived notions or hurried judgments here. This is your dedicated time to speak freely, knowing that whatever you share will be met with empathy and understanding. My commitment is to create a safe haven where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism. What We'll Cover: An Open Conversation The primary goal of our first session isn't to solve all your problems immediately, but rather to begin understanding the landscape of your experiences. I'll invite you to share what brings you to therapy at this time. This might include: Your Current Concerns: What challenges are you facing right now? What difficulties are impacting your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being? This could range from symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder to struggles with eating patterns, substance use, or general feelings of being stuck or overwhelmed. Your History and Background: While we won't delve into every detail of your life story in one session, I'll ask some questions to get a foundational understanding of your personal history, family dynamics, significant life events, and any previous experiences with therapy. This helps me gain context for your current situation. Your Hopes and Goals (if you have them): Even if your goals aren't perfectly clear, we can discuss what you hope to gain from therapy. Do you want to feel less anxious? Improve your relationships? Find greater purpose? Sometimes, the goal in the first session is simply to articulate what a better future might look like, even vaguely. If you don't have distinct goals, that's perfectly fine; we can focus on your general sense of wanting to figure things

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

When you're searching for a therapist, you're looking for someone who can truly make a difference in your life. You want to feel understood, supported, and confident that you're on a path toward real, lasting change. So, what truly stands out about my therapeutic approach, the methods I employ, and the results my clients often experience? It boils down to a commitment to active feedback, genuine engagement, profound care, deep empathy, and a relentless focus on tangible, real-world results. An Engaged and Active Therapeutic Partnership One of the most distinguishing features of my approach is my highly active and engaged presence in every session. You won't find me passively listening or simply nodding along; while deep listening is foundational, I believe therapy thrives when it's a dynamic partnership. This means I'm responsive, intentional in my feedback, and always ready to offer insights, ask meaningful questions, and guide our conversations toward productive outcomes. I'm not just here to listen; I'm here to interact, challenge, and collaborate with you. This active engagement translates into several key aspects of our work. I provide clear, constructive feedback, helping you identify patterns you might not see, offering different perspectives on your challenges, and highlighting strengths you might be underestimating. This isn't about judgment; it's about providing the clarity and awareness needed for growth. My questions are designed to deepen your self-awareness, explore underlying beliefs, and uncover the roots of your struggles, encouraging reflection and helping us both gain a clearer picture of your internal world and external experiences. We'll also engage in collaborative problem-solving, working together to define your goals—whether they're specific targets like managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms or broader aims like improving overall mental fitness. I'll bring my clinical expertise, and you'll bring your unique life experience. Together, we'll formulate strategies and solutions tailored precisely to your needs. This active, engaged style ensures that our sessions are always moving forward, helping you feel productive and empowered throughout your therapeutic journey. A Foundation of Profound Care and Empathy While my approach is active and results-oriented, it is always, without exception, grounded in profound care and deep empathy. I recognize the immense courage it takes to seek help and share your vulnerabilities. My of

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My practice is dedicated to supporting individuals ready to make a meaningful investment in their mental well-being, whether you arrive with clear objectives or a more general sense of wanting to figure things out or simply improve your overall mental fitness. If you're grappling with challenges such as persistent sadness, overwhelming worry, difficulties with eating patterns, or struggles with substance use, I can offer a supportive and effective path forward. I frequently work with clients who are seeking lasting relief from symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, aiming not just to manage these conditions but to truly thrive. My goal is to help you achieve sustainable recovery from eating disorders, fostering a healthier relationship with food, body image, and self-worth. For those on the journey of substance abuse recovery, I'm committed to helping you achieve successful, long-term sobriety and develop improved coping mechanisms, enabling you to build a life free from dependency. Additionally, many of my clients are looking to cultivate greater emotional resilience and acquire practical tools to navigate life's inevitable stressors, transitions, and relationship dynamics. Ultimately, I strive to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your patterns, leading to profound self-discovery and a renewed sense of purpose, and to improve life's quality by addressing specific struggles or enhancing overall contentment and satisfaction. You're likely a good fit for my approach if you're open to an active, collaborative therapy process. I encourage clients who are willing to engage in self-reflection, apply strategies learned outside of sessions, and embrace the journey of personal change—even when it involves discomfort. This doesn't mean you need to have distinct, perfectly defined goals from day one. Many clients come to me with a general sense of unease, a feeling that "something isn't quite right," or simply a desire to be happier or more effective in their lives. I'm here to help you articulate those unspoken needs and work together to uncover what a more fulfilling life looks for you. Perhaps you feel stuck, unsure of your next steps, or overwhelmed by the complexities of adult life. You might be struggling with a lack of motivation, difficulty managing strong emotions, or challenges in your relationships. I understand that sometimes the most courageous step is admitting you don't have all the answers. My role

About Arthur Chen

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a transformative approach to dealing with the “intractable permanence of the past” by fundamentally shifting how individuals relate to their historical experiences rather than attempting to change or eliminate them. ACT recognizes that the past cannot be altered, but our relationship with past experiences can be fundamentally transformed through psychological flexibility. The therapy operates on the principle that attempts to control or avoid unwanted private experiences often fail and may heighten distress when these experiences are re-encountered. Instead of encouraging individuals to fight their past experiences, ACT helps them step out of the war with their internal experiences altogether. Through the core process of acceptance, individuals learn to actively and consciously embrace the specific events of their past without needless attempts to change their frequency or form. This acceptance is not passive resignation but rather an active posture of curiosity, interest, and deliberate exploration of feelings, memories, and thoughts, allowing individuals to increase their psychological freedom regardless of the experiential echoes of their own history. ACT’s approach to freeing individuals from past bondage centers on developing psychological flexibility—the ability to remain present and open to experiences while taking action aligned with personal values, even when confronted with painful memories or emotions. The therapy employs cognitive defusion techniques to help individuals separate themselves from their thoughts about the past, viewing them as mental events rather than absolute truths. Through present-moment awareness, individuals learn to shift their attention away from past experiences and prevent historical conditioning from negatively affecting current interactions. Values clarification becomes crucial as individuals identify what truly matters to them and use these values as a compass for committed action, even while carrying the weight of their past. This process allows individuals to reconcile old emotions by neither suppressing nor being overwhelmed by them, but rather by making room for these experiences while simultaneously engaging in meaningful, values-driven behavior. The freedom that ACT provides is not freedom from the past, but freedom to live meaningfully despite the past. Individuals learn to honor their past experiences by acknowledging their reality and impact while refusing to let these experiences dictate their present choices. This creates a dynamic relationship with personal history where the past is neither ignored nor given ultimate authority over current life decisions. Through this process, individuals can pay homage to their past by integrating these experiences into a coherent life narrative while simultaneously stepping into an unburdened future where their actions are guided by chosen values rather than historical pain. ACT’s ultimate goal is helping individuals create a rich, full, and meaningful life while accepting the pain that inevitably accompanies human existence, thus achieving both reconciliation with the past and freedom to live according to one’s deepest values and aspirations.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

ognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers a proven, practical solution that can help you create lasting change. As the most widely researched form of psychotherapy, CBT focuses on the powerful connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Unlike traditional talk therapy that explores the past, CBT equips you with concrete tools and strategies you can use immediately to manage difficult emotions, challenge negative thought patterns, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Research consistently shows that CBT is highly effective for treating a wide range of conditions, with many clients experiencing significant improvement in just 8-16 sessions. CBT offers specialized treatment approaches tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with insomnia, performance anxiety, PTSD, or general anxiety, CBT provides targeted interventions that address your unique challenges. For sleep disorders, CBT for Insomnia helps you develop healthy sleep habits and overcome racing thoughts that keep you awake. Performance anxiety responds exceptionally well to CBT techniques, helping you build confidence for presentations, sports, or public speaking. For those with depression, CBT teaches you to identify and change the negative thought patterns that fuel feelings of hopelessness and despair. Trauma survivors benefit from CBT’s structured approach to processing difficult experiences and developing healthy coping strategies. The beauty of CBT lies in its practical, skills-based approach that empowers you to become your own therapist, with tools that provide long-term benefits extending far beyond your therapy sessions. Taking the first step toward better mental health doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our experienced CBT therapists understand that reaching out for help takes courage, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. CBT’s structured, goal-oriented approach means you’ll see progress quickly, and the skills you learn become lifelong tools for managing stress, anxiety, and life’s challenges. Many clients report feeling more confident, sleeping better, and experiencing improved relationships after just a few sessions. You don’t have to continue struggling alone—the evidence-based tools of CBT can help you build the life you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation initial consultation and discover how CBT can help you create lasting positive change in your life.

Attachment-based

Attachment-based therapy is a type of therapy that explores how early childhood experiences, particularly interactions with primary caregivers, can impact a person's ability to form healthy relationships later in life. It aims to help individuals understand and address these past experiences, particularly any attachment wounds or trauma, to improve their current relationships and overall well-being

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) offers a revolutionary approach to mental health that can help you break free from self-defeating patterns and create lasting positive change. Developed by pioneering psychologist Albert Ellis in the 1950s, REBT is based on a simple yet powerful premise: it’s not the events in your life that cause emotional distress, but rather the beliefs you hold about those events. Research consistently shows that REBT is highly effective in treating depression, anxiety, anger management, addiction, and numerous other mental health challenges, with success rates ranging from 65-75% in promoting positive outcomes. Unlike traditional therapy approaches that may spend years exploring your past, REBT focuses on the present moment and equips you with practical, actionable tools you can use immediately to challenge irrational thoughts and develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. What makes REBT truly unique is its direct, action-oriented approach that empowers you to take control of your emotional well-being. At the heart of REBT lies the powerful ABC model: A represents the Activating event (what happens to you), B represents your Beliefs about that event, and C represents the Consequences or emotions you experience. The key insight is that it’s not A that causes C, but rather B – your beliefs about the situation. For example, if you don’t receive a text back from someone, the activating event is simply the lack of response. However, your beliefs about this event – such as “They must hate me” or “I’m not worthy of love” – are what create feelings of anxiety, depression, or anger. REBT teaches you to identify these irrational beliefs and replace them with more rational, flexible thoughts that promote emotional health and goal achievement. The therapy expands this model to include D (Disputing irrational beliefs), E (Effective new beliefs), and F (Future focus), creating a comprehensive framework for lasting change. Studies show that REBT not only reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression but also improves self-control, enhances relationships, increases resilience, and promotes unconditional self-acceptance. This approach is particularly effective because it addresses the root causes of emotional disturbance rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. The beauty of REBT lies in its versatility and proven effectiveness across diverse populations and settings. Whether you’re struggling with performance anxiety, relationship issues, addiction recovery, trauma-related symptoms, or simply want to develop better coping strategies for life’s challenges, REBT provides the tools you need to create meaningful change. Research demonstrates that REBT is effective in treating conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to eating disorders, sleep problems, and behavioral issues, with many clients experiencing significant improvement in as few as 8-12 sessions. The therapy’s emphasis on practical homework assignments and real-world application means you’ll be actively practicing new skills between sessions, accelerating your progress and building confidence in your ability to handle difficult situations. REBT’s focus on developing rational beliefs, emotional resilience, and effective problem-solving skills makes it an invaluable investment in your long-term mental health and overall life satisfaction. You don’t have to continue living under the weight of irrational fears, self-doubt, or emotional overwhelm. Our skilled REBT therapists are ready to guide you through this transformative process, helping you develop the mental tools and philosophical framework needed to live a more fulfilling, emotionally healthy life. Take the first step toward freedom from self-defeating thoughts and behaviors by contacting us today for your complimentary initial consultation – discover how REBT can help you unlock your potential and create the life you truly deserve.

Trauma-Focused CBT

What Is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? TF-CBT is a structured, short-term treatment specifically designed to address the needs of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related difficulties. This evidence-based approach combines traditional cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with trauma-specific interventions to help you process traumatic memories, develop healthy coping strategies, and regain control over your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The therapy typically requires 12-16 sessions, making it an efficient and practical choice for individuals seeking real results. TF-CBT operates on the principle that traumatic experiences create unhelpful connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When you have PTSD, a serious event or prolonged exposure to stress has left you with extremely sensitive or misaligned connections between these brain functions, making your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors very hard to control. The therapy helps you identify and transform negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress while providing you with practical tools to manage difficult emotions and situations. The Remarkable Benefits of TF-CBT for Trauma Recovery TF-CBT has been extensively researched and validated through 15 randomized clinical trials, with studies consistently showing its effectiveness in treating trauma-related symptoms. The therapy successfully addresses a wide range of trauma impacts, including PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, cognitive and behavioral problems, and even improves family relationships. Research shows that CBT is effective for both acute and chronic PTSD, with both short-term and long-term benefits following a range of traumatic experiences in adults, children, and adolescents. One of the most significant advantages of TF-CBT is its focus on empowerment and skill-building. The therapy teaches you concrete, practical tools you can use immediately, including cognitive restructuring to challenge negative thoughts, behavioral activation to increase positive activities, and exposure techniques to gradually face your fears. These skills become lifelong tools for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, with treatment gains maintained long-term and sustained improvements shown years after therapy ends. TF-CBT also addresses the present moment rather than dwelling extensively on the past. It helps you adjust and re-align negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that stop you from enjoying a good quality of life, focusing on breaking the cycle of symptoms that keep you trapped in trauma responses. Studies show that 61% to 82.4% of participants treated with CBT lost their PTSD diagnosis, with 26% more CBT participants than waitlist or supportive therapy groups achieving this remarkable outcome.