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.
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.
Growing up in a multicultural environment with immigrant parents from a lower economic background shaped my journey toward becoming a therapist. My personal experiences with racism, poverty, and navigating a bi-cultural identity have deeply influenced my approach to supporting others. From a young age, I understood the profound impact of therapy as a safe space for self-exploration, meaningful dialogue, and the development of coping skills. We will work together to explore your thoughts and behaviors, uncover underlying traumas if they exist, and reflect on how your upbringing has influenced your current experiences and patterns. I aim to help you foster growth, resilience, and adaptability as you navigate life’s challenges.
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.
Other specialties
I identify as
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.
1 rating with written reviews
July 15, 2026
Dr. Chong created such a warm and comfortable environment for our first session. Her gentle presence and attentiveness helped me explore my past trauma and experiences. She not only guided our session with empathy but structured grounding in depth of knowledge.