Shirley Chen (she/her)

LCSW
Accepting Clients

Welcome. As a clinical social worker, I approach therapy as a holding space for person-centered, trauma-informed, and relational care

Clinical Social Worker in New York, NY

Services
  • Individual
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

I work with young people and adults, with a focus on folks of color and Asian Americans. Those I work with look to deepen self-awareness and engage in self-reflection; they are seeking space to show up as they are, while being challenged. They are looking for personal growth, perhaps through meaning-making, practicing new coping skills, or shifting their inner narratives.

My Background and Approach

As a clinically licensed social worker, I have worked with folks from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds in NYC. In our therapeutic work, my approach centers on compassion, empathy, and collaboration in which safety and trust underlies our relationship. Building and maintaining this foundation is important to me which I believe can further our courage and curiosity. The process is tailored to you individually. I may encourage an exploration of the mind-body relationship as a means of healing and introspection. Therapy is integrated to include models that most resonate with me – Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Along with the exploration of the inner world, I also examine systemic contexts and the role of larger social and cultural constructs.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Our origin stories lay the foundation for who we are – the make-up of our identities, how we relate to others, how we show up in the world, the relationship that exists with ourselves. It is important to me that we examine our narratives with compassion and care to identify patterns and beliefs that structure our worldview, some of which may no longer be effective. I believe in building and identifying our inner resources, by tuning into our values and our body for guidance. I also believe in the healing power of relationships which can be made to feel safe when healthy attachment bonds are formed with others in community. And lastly, as a woman of color, I recognize the various “-isms” that govern our lives and acknowledge our fundamental need to slow down and pursue joy and leisure.

I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 7 years of practice

Reach out to Shirley