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People Pleasing
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People Pleasing
Perfectionism
Social Anxiety
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How to avoid burnout as an anxious people pleaser
Angela Chen, Ph.D. 11/19/24 Angela Chen, Ph.D. 11/19/24

How to avoid burnout as an anxious people pleaser

This blog post discusses the nuances of developing self-complexity as a strategy to avoid burnout in anxious people pleasers.

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Signs you have maladaptive perfectionism
Angela Chen, Ph.D. 6/27/24 Angela Chen, Ph.D. 6/27/24

Signs you have maladaptive perfectionism

This post (1) discusses signs that perfectionism might be holding you back and (2) provides three categories of perfectionism.

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Uncovering the roots: How to overcome perfectionism
Angela Chen, Ph.D. 5/9/24 Angela Chen, Ph.D. 5/9/24

Uncovering the roots: How to overcome perfectionism

This post discusses: (1) three causes of perfectionism, (2) why this finding matters, (3) how to overcome perfectionism, and (4) how to align your life with your values

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I will help you untangle your story and write a new one

Our work is collaborative, focused, and empowering. I use culturally responsive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to explore how people-pleasing, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and cultural expectations shape your mental health.

You’ll gain practical tools to manage anxiety, build self-trust, and start making decisions that align with your values. Not just others’ expectations.

So you know who’s in your corner

Dr. Angela Chen, Asian American therapist
Click here to learn more.

I’m Dr. Angela Chen, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in helping high-achieving Asian American women in their 20s and 30s who feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, burnout, and disconnection.

As the daughter of immigrants, I understand what it’s like to grow up with high expectations around success and sacrifice. I also know what it takes to break those patterns with compassion and clarity. Therapy helped me come home to myself. Now I want to help you do the same.

Our work blends cultural understanding, evidence-based tools, and warmth so you can create a life that reflects your values, not just your resume.

    • Licensed Psychologist, New York State Education Department, PSY 023466

    • M.A. & Ph.D., School Psychology, Michigan State University

    • M.P.H. Maternal & Child Health, UC Berkeley

    • A.B., Smith College, English Language & Literature, Pre-Health

    • American Psychological Association

    • Asian American Psychological Association

    • The New York City Cognitive Behavior Association

    • 10+ years of clinical and teaching experience across clinical, school, and academic settings.

    • Evaluated and treated 300+ patients across school, hospital, and clinical settings.

    • Mentored psychology trainees in school and hospital settings.

    • Led multiple research projects, yielding published articles and presentations at regional and national conferences.

My Therapy Approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is known as “ACT” (as in the word, “act”).

  • ACT is a behavioral therapy that focuses on taking action guided by your core values.

  • The emphasis of ACT is on reducing the impact of painful thoughts and feelings through:

    • Cultivating mindfulness skills to make space for difficult inner experiences and remain “in the present moment.”

    • Acceptance of these inner experiences.

    • Committed action to build a rich, meaningful life based on what matters to you and the type of person you strive to be, even in the face of difficult thoughts and feelings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is often referred to as “CBT.”

  • CBT involves:

    • Learning to recognize and re-evaluate the faulty or unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to problems.

    • Becoming more aware of one’s own and other people’s behaviors and what drives them.

    • Learning techniques to calm the mind and relax the body.

    • Using problem-solving skills and other strategies to cope with difficult situations.

    • Developing more self-confidence in the ability to face challenging situations using the skills listed above.

What Sets Me Apart

  • Therapy is as much a science as it is an art. Research shows that the relationship between client and therapist best predicts treatment outcomes. I strongly believe that a big part of building a good relationship is developing trust. This involves working together at every step of the process to meet you where you’re at and tailor the treatment for your unique needs.

  • While talking about feelings and uncovering your core beliefs plays a vital role in therapy, I also believe that much of the change and learning that happens in this process will occur as a result of doing. Namely, repeated practice and application of skills that become healthy daily habits. Not only do I want therapy to be a safe, nurturing place for you to share your challenges and celebrate your wins. My goal is to also equip you with an effective toolkit of coping strategies that you can use in your everyday life.

  • As a psychologist, I value the use of science and research to direct meaningful change. Every therapy approach I choose for my clients is supported by a large body of research. To ensure that you’re making progress in therapy and to determine next steps, I often collect data and check in with you as part of ongoing assessment.

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Ready to get started?

You don’t have to carry this alone

If you’re ready to unlearn people pleasing and perfectionism, speak up with confidence, and feel more at home in your own skin, I’d love to help you get there.

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.