“Can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be?”
― Charles Bukowski
About Me
Hi! I’m Dr. Eileen Chen.
Licensed clinical psychologist. Child of immigrants.
Former underachiever. Recovering overachiever.
I specialize in helping teens (13–17) and young adults (18–35) of color—especially those from immigrant families where feelings and mental health just aren’t things people talk about—untangle the mess of trauma, substance use, family expectations, identity struggles, and all the big emotions that come with trying to figure out who you are in a world that keeps telling you who you’re supposed to be.
I work specifically with young Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and other BIPOC (and their families) who feel stuck, disconnected, or like they’ve just been in a never ending funk.
I blend trauma-informed therapy with performance-focused tools. That means we work on the emotional roots of burnout, anxiety, trauma and substance use—and build the skills that help you focus, recover, and move with intention, even under pressure.
If this sounds like you—I got you.
Why Work With Me
Support that gets you,
not just your symptoms.
Real and Relatable
Warm, direct, and sometimes a little funny—because healing doesn’t have so serious all the time.
Evidence-Based but Flexible With It
I use body-based, emotionally focused, values-driven, and harm reduction tools to help you reconnect with yourself, shift stuck patterns, and move toward what matters.
Culturally Grounded
Humans don’t exist in a vacuum. We can't talk about mental health without also talking about cultural identity, family expectations, systemic oppression, and the societal pressures that shape how we move through the world.
Support for Parents
Parents always want to help their kids— sometimes they just don’t know how. I help bridge the gap, offering tools to reconnect with their kids and show up differently than how they were raised.
Been There,
Done That
I wasn’t always on this path—I’ve had my own share of struggles. As a high school drop out who’s taken lots of detours, I know what it’s like to feel lost, and I know firsthand that change is possible with the right support.
What You Can Expect
It’s not about “fixing” you — it’s about understanding yourself and unlocking your potential.
We'll make space for all the tough stuff, whether that’s past trauma, substance use, habits you’re not proud of, family challenges, or just feeling like you don’t quite fit anywhere.
If family relationships are part of what’s making things hard, I also help bridge the gap between you and your parents. If you want, we can include them in a way that feels safe, empowering.
We’ll work through the mental blocks and internal noise that get in the way. You’ll learn how to regulate in high-stakes moments and show up fully—focused, calm, and connected to your purpose.
You’ll build clarity, self-trust, and a life that actually feels like yours. You’ll learn to make choices that align with who you are and who you want to be.
Receipts
Education, Training, & Credentials
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Licensed Psychologist in Colorado — PSY.0006258
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) Granted by PSYPACT — APIT #17424
PSYPACT is an interstate compact which offers a voluntary expedited pathway for practice to qualified psychologists who wish to practice in multiple states. PSYPACT is designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries. In order to practice telepsychology in PSYPACT states, psychologists licensed in PSYPACT states only, can apply to the PSYPACT Commission for an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). In order to conduct temporary practice in PSYPACT states, psychologists licensed in PSYPACT states only can apply to the PSYPACT Commission for a Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP). The PSYPACT Commission is the governing body of PSYPACT and is comprised of one representative from each PSYPACT state. More information regarding PSYPACT and its requirements can be found at www.psypact.org.
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Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology | University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT (APA-accredited)
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology | University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology | George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
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Postdoctoral Fellowship: Substance Treatment, Education, and Prevention | Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO
Pre-Doctoral Internship: Child and Family Integrated Substance Use Disorders | Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO (APA-accredited)
Trainer for impACT: An MI/ACT/EFT Treatment for Substance Use and Co-Occurring Conditions
Advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and Families
Trained in Brainspotting Phase 1 & 2
Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Philosophy
In Chinese culture, the lotus flower is one of the most significant flowers—it symbolizes the heart and mind’s resilience and strength because it grows out of muddy waters, beautiful and unscathed ( 莲花出污泥而不染 ). In Buddhism, the flower represents transcending suffering and hardship and moving toward wisdom, compassion, and peace. The importance of the lotus flower is seen in many cultures throughout Asia and the middle-East representing transformation and renewal.
My philosophy is rooted in this symbolism: a reminder that growth doesn’t happen in perfect conditions. It happens in pressure, discomfort, and grit. Whether you're recovering from trauma or chasing peak performance, stuck in shame or burning out from striving—your mud isn't the end of your story.
Our work is about reclaiming your power, building safety in your body, and training your inner world so you can rise. Through a trauma-informed and culturally attuned approach, I help you move through the internal blocks that hold you back—from pain or perfectionism—to access your focus, resilience, and purpose. This isn’t just about feeling better. It’s about training your inner world so you can show up fully in the outer one.