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