Ken Chen, PhD - Illinois Psychologist at Grow Therapy

Ken Chen

Ken Chen

(she/her)

PhD
6 years of experience
Virtual

I am a bilingual (Mandarin) Clinical Psychologist based in Chicago. I earned my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University (CA) and I have six years of experience working at various outpatient settings and with a ethnically diverse population. I really enjoy working with autistic clients across the lifespan and help them and their caregivers navigate the balance between being their genuine self and adapting to the changing world.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The first session is usually 60 minutes long and I use open-ended questions to gather information about the chief concerns and the expectations client or their caregivers have for therapy. If this is your first time seeking therapy, I will orient you to the process of therapy and discuss confidentiality and its limit. The first session mainly focuses on getting to know you and exploring your concerns, your strengths, your interpersonal styles and your support system.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I tailor my approach to the specific needs of my client and I use a collaborative approach in designing the treatment plan with my client. As a therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, my style is warm and straightforward. I also focus on client's strengths and I believe one of the goals for therapy is learning to embrace one's own identity and regain hope for a better self and a better future.

About Ken Chen

Licensed in

Appointments

Free consults, virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I utilize the CBT framework to help my client understand the underlying thoughts behind the difficult feelings and help client see that their thoughts/feelings/actions are all connected.

Motivational Interviewing

I believe that changes can only happen when my client is prepared for them. Motivational interviewing allows to work with clients who might still be ambivalent about changes (especially changing their behaviors) but are willing to explore the pros and cons of changes.

Play Therapy

I have always enjoyed using play techniques to help my child/adolescent client to explore their feelings and navigate their relationships with peers, teachers and parents.