Serena Chung

LMHC, LPC

Many people might be reluctant to begin therapy as the thought of therapy already feels heavy. Some might feel too vulnerable to unload to a stranger all of their issues. I do believe therapy requires work and reflecting into your inner world; however, it goes at your own pace. I often find it easier and less burdensome to unload issues onto a stranger who is not directly in your personal life. Each session can be as heavy or as light as you would like. I believe gentle redirecting is necessary in therapy at times, but stemming from a person-centered approach, I do not pressure my clients into facing what they are not ready for.

I like to set goals with clients in the beginning or after the first session and periodically review them as we progress in therapy. I believe goals can be changed or refined as we dig deeper into issues concerning an individual. Reviewing goals and seeing how they are achieved or changed indicate growth.

I have always been a listener. I find that active listening is not as easy as it sounds and requires a personality who actually hears what you are saying. In my personal life, I too find that talking about my problems will help alleviate some of the stress despite some of the problems still remaining a constant. Long before becoming a therapist, I was already a "therapist"; amongst my peers. I believe my personality influences my approach of person-centered therapy as I am a gentle guider and active listener.