Grace Chen, M.Phil.Ed., M.S.Ed., M.A., MHC-LP

(She/Her/Hers)

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Grace Chen, M.Phil.Ed., M.S.Ed., M.A., MHC-LP, University of Pennsylvania Graduate, enriches our team as a bilingual NYS Mental Health Counselor (Limited Permit) with a diverse background in mental health and finance. Her journey from finance to mental health, marked first by an MA in Accounting from George Washington University and a BA in Economics from Lafayette College, demonstrates her dedication to finding deeper meaning in her work. Grace’s graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, supported by merit-based scholarships, culminated in double master’s degrees in mental health and professional counseling. Grace is fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Shanghainese dialects, and invites the opportunity to provide therapeutic services in all these languages.

 

Her clinical expertise was shaped through hands-on internships, first at Family Therapy and Consultation Services, working with children, adolescents, and families, and later at the Center for Growth, working with individuals and families. These experiences enabled Grace to develop a rich skill set in treating a range of issues, including relationship challenges, life transitions, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss. Grace's therapeutic approach is characterized by its integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotion-focused therapy (EFIT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and existential therapy for individual clients, as well as utilizing the Gottman Method for couples.

 

Grace Chen, a dedicated mental health professional, is driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals to achieve mental wellness and personal growth. Her approach to therapy is both client-centered and holistic, focusing on the whole person rather than just their symptoms. Grace specializes in a range of areas, notably in dealing with life transitions, cultural and identity issues, and the mental health impacts of financial stress. Grace’s professional interest lies in assisting individuals and couples, offering them the necessary support and guidance for navigating life’s obstacles.

 

Clients working with Grace can expect a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment. She emphasizes building a strong therapeutic alliance, believing that a trusting and empathetic relationship is the foundation of effective therapy. Grace’s style is interactive and engaging, often incorporating elements of mindfulness and self-reflection to help clients gain deeper insights into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

 

Grace’s bicultural background, blending her Asian heritage with over 15 years of life in the United States, allows her to provide culturally responsive therapy. This unique perspective is crucial in addressing challenges related to acculturation, identity, and intergenerational conflicts. Furthermore, her experience in the financial sector equips her with a unique understanding of the mental health impacts of financial stressors, enabling her to offer a comprehensive approach catering to all aspects of emotional well-being.

 

Clients engaging with Grace can expect an empathetic, empowering therapeutic process tailored to their individual needs. Her commitment to continuous learning and professional development ensures that Grace stays at the forefront of therapeutic practices. Grace’s transition from finance to mental health, fueled by a search for purpose and meaning, makes her a relatable and inspiring figure for clients navigating their own life transitions and existential questions. At our practice, Grace is poised to make a significant impact, helping clients navigate their challenges and achieve their full potential.