Pacific Islander Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
I have worked with families for over twenty years. I have been a coach, a classroom teacher, early childhood teacher, childbirth instructor, childbirth doula and athletic coach. My deep engagement with all stages of development informs my therapeutic work each and every day. From big life transitions down to mundane tasks, my clients receive grounded and evidence-based care that helps them find balance and resilience so that they can live a fully-engaged vibrant and flourishing existence.
I have worked with families for over twenty years. I have been a coach, a classroom teacher, early childhood teacher, childbirth instructor, childbirth doula and athletic coach. My deep engagement with all stages of development informs my therapeutic work each and every day. From big life transitions down to mundane tasks, my clients receive grounded and evidence-based care that helps them find balance and resilience so that they can live a fully-engaged vibrant and flourishing existence.
You don’t understand why your family causes you so many sleepless nights. You need someone to talk to but feel shame bringing up family issues or you don’t know where to start. You try to please everyone but you end up being the unhappy one. You cut off toxic family relationships but this leaves you feeling guilt, loneliness, and resentment. To prove yourself, you work hard and sometimes overcompensate. Past unresolved issues consume your energy, make you question yourself, and become hesitant to try a new relationship. You don’t want to be your parents but you don’t know how not to. You doubt if you can live a different life.
You don’t understand why your family causes you so many sleepless nights. You need someone to talk to but feel shame bringing up family issues or you don’t know where to start. You try to please everyone but you end up being the unhappy one. You cut off toxic family relationships but this leaves you feeling guilt, loneliness, and resentment. To prove yourself, you work hard and sometimes overcompensate. Past unresolved issues consume your energy, make you question yourself, and become hesitant to try a new relationship. You don’t want to be your parents but you don’t know how not to. You doubt if you can live a different life.
Not sure of where to start, but ready for growth? You don’t need to have the “right” answers to begin therapy; you just need the space to see yourself more clearly. I work with people who may feel lost, caught in the in-between, or unsure of what comes next. Together, we can process your past experiences, tend to your inner child, heal old wounds, and create space for you to live a life that feels meaningful and authentic. A life that is truly yours. We'll explore your story at your pace and uncover the parts of you that want to be known.
Not sure of where to start, but ready for growth? You don’t need to have the “right” answers to begin therapy; you just need the space to see yourself more clearly. I work with people who may feel lost, caught in the in-between, or unsure of what comes next. Together, we can process your past experiences, tend to your inner child, heal old wounds, and create space for you to live a life that feels meaningful and authentic. A life that is truly yours. We'll explore your story at your pace and uncover the parts of you that want to be known.
Stephen Chao
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSW
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer, non-binary, Asian-American social worker, I am committed to care work. What does care look like as we carry with us not only our own lived experiences, but also our families’ and communities’ legacies? What does care look like as we bear witness to (or directly experience) state violence ranging from neighborhood displacement at home to genocide abroad? I am here to offer an affirming space for you to practice your own care work. Whether you want to gain insight on yourself and your relationships or implement concrete steps towards your goals, I am here to listen, affirm, and brainstorm alongside you.
As a queer, non-binary, Asian-American social worker, I am committed to care work. What does care look like as we carry with us not only our own lived experiences, but also our families’ and communities’ legacies? What does care look like as we bear witness to (or directly experience) state violence ranging from neighborhood displacement at home to genocide abroad? I am here to offer an affirming space for you to practice your own care work. Whether you want to gain insight on yourself and your relationships or implement concrete steps towards your goals, I am here to listen, affirm, and brainstorm alongside you.
Arcline Associates Counsel Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Smile! Our specialties include GeriCare© (older adults with complicated grief/loss); chronic illness/pain; depression; relationships; coping; acceptance; D&A. Conflict Resolution: Adolescent behavioral & school conflict; bicultural, acculturation, assimilation, ethnicity socialization conflict; identity & intergenerational conflict. Stress/Anger Mgmt. Occupational Stress: Welcome Law Enforcement, First Responders, Hospital & Crisis Workers; Aviation Personnel. Parent Child Interaction. Marriage Family Couples Counseling. Emphasis on Family Systems, Relational, Interpersonal, Ecological Theory. Trauma Informed, DBT/CBT. PA Medicare & CHIP Welcome!
Smile! Our specialties include GeriCare© (older adults with complicated grief/loss); chronic illness/pain; depression; relationships; coping; acceptance; D&A. Conflict Resolution: Adolescent behavioral & school conflict; bicultural, acculturation, assimilation, ethnicity socialization conflict; identity & intergenerational conflict. Stress/Anger Mgmt. Occupational Stress: Welcome Law Enforcement, First Responders, Hospital & Crisis Workers; Aviation Personnel. Parent Child Interaction. Marriage Family Couples Counseling. Emphasis on Family Systems, Relational, Interpersonal, Ecological Theory. Trauma Informed, DBT/CBT. PA Medicare & CHIP Welcome!
Life can be stressful and I'm here to help you cope with life's struggles so you don't have to continue carrying these issues alone. I like to take my time getting to know each unique individual and provide a safe and respectful environment to establish an open and trustworthy relationship. During our time together, you will learn to reflect on what you are experiencing and work on practical solutions to immediate problems while explore maladaptive patterns of thinking, behaviors ,and feelings that stem from past experiences. I will also work with you and support you on your journey to embrace positive lifestyle changes.
Life can be stressful and I'm here to help you cope with life's struggles so you don't have to continue carrying these issues alone. I like to take my time getting to know each unique individual and provide a safe and respectful environment to establish an open and trustworthy relationship. During our time together, you will learn to reflect on what you are experiencing and work on practical solutions to immediate problems while explore maladaptive patterns of thinking, behaviors ,and feelings that stem from past experiences. I will also work with you and support you on your journey to embrace positive lifestyle changes.
I specialize in working with those who have difficulty in their personal relationships. That might mean you've been "chronically single" all your life and don't want to be. Or it might mean that your current relationship or friendship is painful or has ended in ways that feel both familiar and confusing somehow. Maybe you've been betrayed, or you betrayed someone. Maybe you're worried that you have a sexual problem that makes you unlovable, or you struggle with boundaries. Or maybe it's a family relationship that's difficult - an aging parent you have complicated feelings toward; a sibling you don't feel at peace with.
I specialize in working with those who have difficulty in their personal relationships. That might mean you've been "chronically single" all your life and don't want to be. Or it might mean that your current relationship or friendship is painful or has ended in ways that feel both familiar and confusing somehow. Maybe you've been betrayed, or you betrayed someone. Maybe you're worried that you have a sexual problem that makes you unlovable, or you struggle with boundaries. Or maybe it's a family relationship that's difficult - an aging parent you have complicated feelings toward; a sibling you don't feel at peace with.
Anxiety, lack of focus, and obsessive thinking should not be barriers to living a happy and fulfilling life. Are you struggling to understand why you feel overwhelmed with unhealthy thoughts and emotions? By getting to the root of what is driving these actions, I can help you process in order to uncover unhealthy patterns and teach you skills to manage your behaviors so you can achieve growth and positive change to be the person you want to be. I approach therapy with compassion and humor. By teaching you to be in the moment, we will help quiet your anxious mind together. My specialties are ADHD, OCD, phobias, and social anxiety.
Anxiety, lack of focus, and obsessive thinking should not be barriers to living a happy and fulfilling life. Are you struggling to understand why you feel overwhelmed with unhealthy thoughts and emotions? By getting to the root of what is driving these actions, I can help you process in order to uncover unhealthy patterns and teach you skills to manage your behaviors so you can achieve growth and positive change to be the person you want to be. I approach therapy with compassion and humor. By teaching you to be in the moment, we will help quiet your anxious mind together. My specialties are ADHD, OCD, phobias, and social anxiety.
Hello, I'm Joann, a licensed clinical social worker and I'm here to support you, whether you’re hoping to better manage anxiety, deepen relationships, or reclaim your voice, our work together will be collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in respect for your unique lived experiences. At the heart of my work is gentleness, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care. Some of the areas I specialize in include: anxiety, maternal health, parenting, ADHD management, gender identity, racial identity, childhood trauma, Lifestage transitions, pre-marital counseling, grief, burnout, relationship counseling.
Hello, I'm Joann, a licensed clinical social worker and I'm here to support you, whether you’re hoping to better manage anxiety, deepen relationships, or reclaim your voice, our work together will be collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in respect for your unique lived experiences. At the heart of my work is gentleness, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care. Some of the areas I specialize in include: anxiety, maternal health, parenting, ADHD management, gender identity, racial identity, childhood trauma, Lifestage transitions, pre-marital counseling, grief, burnout, relationship counseling.
Are you feeling held back by stress or anxiety in ways that are negatively impacting your career or relationships? Or maybe you're at a major transition point in your life, experience self-doubt as you navigate change? I’m passionate about helping my clients better understand themselves within the context of their environment and the larger social context. I'll support you to recognize the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; and to develop concrete strategies that help you make positive progress toward your goals!
Are you feeling held back by stress or anxiety in ways that are negatively impacting your career or relationships? Or maybe you're at a major transition point in your life, experience self-doubt as you navigate change? I’m passionate about helping my clients better understand themselves within the context of their environment and the larger social context. I'll support you to recognize the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; and to develop concrete strategies that help you make positive progress toward your goals!
Do you struggle with feeling like you're not enough? Do you endlessly replay situations? Have you and your partner drifted apart, living parallel lives? I work with children, adolescents, adults, & couples on various issues like low self-esteem, trauma, codependency, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, & OCD. Though challenges vary, the underlying need is the same: to move through what's hindering self-trust, heal underlying wounds, reconnect with themselves, and find their voice. My clients generally want a guide to support them in understanding their experiences, uncovering their core values & boundaries, and creating a meaningful life.
Do you struggle with feeling like you're not enough? Do you endlessly replay situations? Have you and your partner drifted apart, living parallel lives? I work with children, adolescents, adults, & couples on various issues like low self-esteem, trauma, codependency, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, & OCD. Though challenges vary, the underlying need is the same: to move through what's hindering self-trust, heal underlying wounds, reconnect with themselves, and find their voice. My clients generally want a guide to support them in understanding their experiences, uncovering their core values & boundaries, and creating a meaningful life.
As they say, the only thing permanent in this world is change. Change, like people, comes in different shapes and sizes. It could be as simple as changing clothes, to more complex ones like a break up, death, or coming out. My goal is to help you manage and deal with changes in your life. By providing you with a safe and comfortable environment and my use of various therapeutic techniques, my hope is that you will feel supported, heard, understood, and obtain the necessary coping skills to help you through this journey called life.
As they say, the only thing permanent in this world is change. Change, like people, comes in different shapes and sizes. It could be as simple as changing clothes, to more complex ones like a break up, death, or coming out. My goal is to help you manage and deal with changes in your life. By providing you with a safe and comfortable environment and my use of various therapeutic techniques, my hope is that you will feel supported, heard, understood, and obtain the necessary coping skills to help you through this journey called life.
I was working at the Google headquarters in CA and initially pursuing a legal career following my college graduation but pivoted careers when I personally experienced coping transformation in counseling. I believe that every individual, including myself, can benefit from therapy and can learn to embrace increased self awareness with emotion expression and regulation as well as healthier coping strategies. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults and have provided individual and group counseling in inpatient and outpatient settings.
I was working at the Google headquarters in CA and initially pursuing a legal career following my college graduation but pivoted careers when I personally experienced coping transformation in counseling. I believe that every individual, including myself, can benefit from therapy and can learn to embrace increased self awareness with emotion expression and regulation as well as healthier coping strategies. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults and have provided individual and group counseling in inpatient and outpatient settings.
As a therapist, I am deeply committed to understanding your needs, strengths, and life experiences which have shaped who you are today. I value fostering an environment in which trust can be founded upon creating a safe, warm, nonjudgmental and collaborative therapeutic relationship. Together, we will develop coping skills and strategies to help you feel empowered to effectively manage your life concerns. You can expect that I will regularly seek your feedback and input during our journey together as I strongly believe you are the expert in knowing yourself best.
As a therapist, I am deeply committed to understanding your needs, strengths, and life experiences which have shaped who you are today. I value fostering an environment in which trust can be founded upon creating a safe, warm, nonjudgmental and collaborative therapeutic relationship. Together, we will develop coping skills and strategies to help you feel empowered to effectively manage your life concerns. You can expect that I will regularly seek your feedback and input during our journey together as I strongly believe you are the expert in knowing yourself best.
More Therapists Nearby
Sometimes navigating every day tasks feels harder than it should. Sometimes there is an indescribable ache that weighs on your capacity to live life on your terms. Maybe there is a specific overwhelming stressor that seems impossible to surmount, or a life transition that is taking more out of you than expected. You might want relief from these strains and burdens, to have better relationships with others and with your self. You might know there needs to be significant change, but don’t know where and how to start. I am here to help and support you though these challenges.
Sometimes navigating every day tasks feels harder than it should. Sometimes there is an indescribable ache that weighs on your capacity to live life on your terms. Maybe there is a specific overwhelming stressor that seems impossible to surmount, or a life transition that is taking more out of you than expected. You might want relief from these strains and burdens, to have better relationships with others and with your self. You might know there needs to be significant change, but don’t know where and how to start. I am here to help and support you though these challenges.
Whatever life may bring your way I am here to support you through it! I offer a safe, open and non-judgemental space to help you process thoughts and emotions that you may experience. Wether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues or self-esteem together we can explore and help you get to the best version of you with confidence and understanding of life's experiences.
Whatever life may bring your way I am here to support you through it! I offer a safe, open and non-judgemental space to help you process thoughts and emotions that you may experience. Wether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues or self-esteem together we can explore and help you get to the best version of you with confidence and understanding of life's experiences.
I am Ryoko, a Licensed Professional Counselor who brings my person-centered mindful approach to individuals seeking fulfillment and inner peace. Experienced in inpatient and outpatient settings, I have helped adults using compassion, knowledge, experience, and music therapy skills. As a board-certified music therapist with degrees in psychology, I have worked with both individuals and groups.
I am Ryoko, a Licensed Professional Counselor who brings my person-centered mindful approach to individuals seeking fulfillment and inner peace. Experienced in inpatient and outpatient settings, I have helped adults using compassion, knowledge, experience, and music therapy skills. As a board-certified music therapist with degrees in psychology, I have worked with both individuals and groups.
Life brings challenges at every stage, from relationships to personal transitions, and navigating them can feel overwhelming, stressful, or isolating. Therapy offers a supportive space to manage these difficulties while also uncovering personal strengths and opportunities for growth.
I meet clients where they are, providing a safe and compassionate environment to explore emotions, build resilience, and create meaningful change. Together, we work toward greater balance, self-understanding, and connection—helping you move forward with clarity and confidence
Life brings challenges at every stage, from relationships to personal transitions, and navigating them can feel overwhelming, stressful, or isolating. Therapy offers a supportive space to manage these difficulties while also uncovering personal strengths and opportunities for growth.
I meet clients where they are, providing a safe and compassionate environment to explore emotions, build resilience, and create meaningful change. Together, we work toward greater balance, self-understanding, and connection—helping you move forward with clarity and confidence
Do you feel like your emotions get the best of you? Do you wonder why things get under your skin and pull you into a spiral, even if part of you knows it's not rational? Do you live your life trying to avoid anxiety or sadness? Do feelings of worthlessness keep you stuck feeling like you're not who you'd like to be? Maybe you want to finally stop trying to run from your feelings and want to learn how to express them. OCD, anxiety, stress, and the weight of your past don't need to limit you anymore.
Do you feel like your emotions get the best of you? Do you wonder why things get under your skin and pull you into a spiral, even if part of you knows it's not rational? Do you live your life trying to avoid anxiety or sadness? Do feelings of worthlessness keep you stuck feeling like you're not who you'd like to be? Maybe you want to finally stop trying to run from your feelings and want to learn how to express them. OCD, anxiety, stress, and the weight of your past don't need to limit you anymore.
Online Therapists
As individuals we are continually faced with life events that at times can be challenging, stressful and overwhelming and can impact our emotional and physical well being and relationships. It is at these times that we strive to find emotional and mental relief, balance and connection. As a licensed psychologist, I strive to help clients find positive coping skills to help them through events negatively impacting their present lives. I will strive to provide an empathetic therapeutic environment in a collaborative dialogue between me, the clinician, and you, the client to find emotional relief, calm, and interpersonal growth.
As individuals we are continually faced with life events that at times can be challenging, stressful and overwhelming and can impact our emotional and physical well being and relationships. It is at these times that we strive to find emotional and mental relief, balance and connection. As a licensed psychologist, I strive to help clients find positive coping skills to help them through events negatively impacting their present lives. I will strive to provide an empathetic therapeutic environment in a collaborative dialogue between me, the clinician, and you, the client to find emotional relief, calm, and interpersonal growth.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Pacific Islander Therapists
What are the advantages of seeing a Pacific Islander therapist?
For many Pacific Islander individuals, working with a provider who shares or respects their cultural background can foster a deeper sense of trust and connection in the therapeutic process—an essential foundation for effective care. A significant barrier to mental health treatment for many Pacific Islander individuals is the stigma that may be associated with seeking therapy. A culturally aligned therapist can help reduce this stigma and normalize the therapeutic process. Pacific Islander therapists may also be especially well-equipped to address issues that affect Pacific Islander communities, such as historical trauma, intergenerational grief, and cultural identity—factors that deeply influence mental health experiences. Providers who personally identify as Pacific Islander may incorporate traditional healing practices, spiritual beliefs, and community-based approaches that align with Pacific Islander values. Additionally, Pacific Islander therapists can serve as important sources of representation within the mental health field and may be familiar with culturally relevant resources, support networks, or other trusted providers who understand the unique experiences of Pacific Islander populations. As a result, they are often well positioned to offer referrals and collaborate with other professionals, helping to ensure care that honors both clinical best practices and cultural traditions.
How to find a Pacific Islander therapist?
Psychology Today’s online directory is a useful tool for finding a Pacific Islander therapist. You can filter for providers who identify as Pacific Islander or who mention working with Pacific Islander populations and highlight cultural competence in their profiles. Look for signs such as experience with Pacific Islander communities, familiarity with cultural and spiritual practices, or a focus on trauma-informed and community-centered care. Depending on your preferences and needs, it may also be important to ask whether a provider offers telehealth, which therapeutic approaches they use, and whether they accept your insurance. If you're unable to find a therapist who personally identifies as Pacific Islander, you may also consider providers who have experience working with Pacific Islander clients or who demonstrate a clear commitment to cultural knowledge and respect for Pacific Islander values and traditions. You might also consider a blended approach—for example, seeing a therapist for talk therapy while also working with a member of the Pacific Islander community for more culturally-specific support.