Celena S. Chong
Dr. Celena S. Chong views therapy as a journey toward self-actualization. She works from solution-focused, evidence-based approaches to help clients gain new perspectives and access their inner strengths. Her approach is assertive yet warm, helping clients identify defense mechanisms, break unhelpful cycles, and make intentional choices. I am a licensed clinical therapist with a doctoral degree from NYU and a master’s from Columbia University. I provide individual therapy in MA, NJ, NY, VA, and FL. With extensive experience supporting adults experiencing with anxiety, depression, CPTSD, and life transitions. I’m passionate about helping clients find meaning and fulfillment through therapy grounded in restorative justice.
First session
My sessions are semi-structured and provide a safe, supportive space to explore your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Together, we’ll identify and address unhelpful patterns and deeply rooted habits. I integrate attachment theory to heal inner child wounds, CBT to challenge cognitive distortions, and mindfulness to build self-regulation and empowerment. My approach is creative and collaborative, helping you navigate change with greater confidence and intentionality.
Strengths
I bring warmth, authenticity, and a collaborative approach to my sessions. I am attentive to both what clients are saying and the patterns underneath their words, which allows me to help clients develop greater self-awareness without feeling judged. I also bring strong clinical knowledge and an ability to integrate evidence-based approaches in a way that is individualized to each client. One of my strengths is helping clients move from insight to action. I encourage clients to identify patterns, understand the emotions and beliefs driving them, and develop practical strategies for creating meaningful change. I value creating a space where clients can be honest, challenged when appropriate, and supported as they work toward greater self-understanding, emotional regulation, and self-actualization.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to work with adults who feel stuck in recurring emotional or relationship patterns and are ready to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, low self-esteem, perfectionism, people-pleasing, emotional overwhelm, or difficulties in relationships. They often recognize that they want things to change but are unsure how to break long-standing patterns. I also work with individuals navigating attachment concerns, childhood or relational trauma, identity development, work-related stress, burnout, and major life decisions. My clients are typically motivated for growth and appreciate a balance of warmth, honesty, and practical guidance. They value a therapist who will actively engage in the process, provide insight, and gently challenge unhelpful beliefs while creating a safe, supportive space.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)** to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress, then develop healthier, more balanced ways of interpreting situations. Through practical strategies and skill-building, clients learn to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and other challenges more effectively.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- MassachusettsLicense LICSW126014
- New JerseyLicense 44SC06032800
- New YorkLicense 085967
- VirginiaLicense 0904013431