Meet Lisa Chen, LMFT | Hermosa Beach Individual and Couples Psychotherapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Chen, LMFT and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?

I hail from Hermosa Beach, a quaint coastal town known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning ocean views. But my journey here has been anything but smooth.

Growing up in the Midwest, I was shaped by the dual forces of my immigrant heritage and my relentless pursuit of knowledge and ambition. I am a second-generation Taiwanese-American daughter of immigrant parents. Like many Asian American immigrant parents, my parents instilled in me the value of hard work and determination. They dreamt of a better life for their children and encouraged me to excel academically and professionally.

I listened to their advice and embarked on a path that led me to the hallowed halls of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Business School. I then ventured into the corporate world, navigating the cut-throat realms of investment banking and business development.

Life in the corporate fast lane was exhilarating — yet, it also exacted a toll on my well-being. To my dismay, I found myself trapped in a cycle of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Despite achieving the external success my parents had dreamt of, I grappled with an unshakable sense of emptiness and despair.

This dark time sparked an inward journey. I delved into the depths of psychoanalytic practice. Through introspection and therapy, I found answers and deeper meaning.  I gradually unearthed my true calling – a passion for understanding the human psyche and helping others find their path to fulfillment.

I now practice as a psychotherapist helping individuals and couples. The lessons from my corporate background remain invaluable. I comprehend the pressures that individuals face in high-performance environments and see clients with many similar issues. My personal work has helped me become a better clinician for my clients. Through our work together, my clients become free from the grip of anxiety, stress, and burnout to find greater ease and meaning in their lives.

My background and upbringing have converged to create a therapist who appreciates the intricate dance between corporate pressures and personal well-being. I am a staunch believer in the profound connection between mind and body, and my approach, characterized by warmth and relatability, is rooted in the belief that every individual’s journey is unique and worth exploring.

So, while my path may have twisted and turned, it has brought me to a place where I can offer a guiding hand to others navigating their own unique journeys toward growth and fulfillment.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of psychological practice to unlock rapid and profound transformations in the lives of my clients, especially high-achieving individuals who grapple with inner demons and seek insight to break free from dysfunctional and unhealthy patterns.

Many of my clients, including a significant number of Asian Americans, confront unique challenges that extend beyond the conventional bounds of success. They struggle with anxiety, stress, burnout, and depression. Most clients have some type of unrecognized trauma and through our work together, they’ve come to appreciate that the causes of their issues can be addressed.

Asian Americans, like many others, often navigate the intricate tapestry of identity, cultural expectations, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. I find that my Asian American clients often face the pressures of conforming to societal and familial expectations, striving for perfection, and dealing with the weight of imposter syndrome. My deep understanding of these cultural dynamics allows me to provide a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore these complex issues.

Through a blend of innovative therapies like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I guide my clients toward a path of self-discovery, balance, and fulfillment. My story is one of continuous growth and evolution.  I am motivated by an unyielding passion for understanding the human psyche and helping individuals, particularly high-achieving Asian Americans, navigate their complex inner worlds to achieve true harmony and authenticity.

What I wish the world to know about my story is that I am not just a therapist; I am a catalyst for change, a guide through the complexities of the human mind, and a firm believer in the incredible resilience and potential within each individual. With a foundation grounded in the latest neuroscience and a client-centered approach characterized by warmth and empathy, my mission is to help individuals, families, and couples discover clarity, purpose, and strength. I invite the world to embark on a journey of transformation with me, where the possibilities of self-discovery and growth are limitless.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

To me, Los Angeles means a life well-lived. The city brings a unique blend of sun-kissed beaches, a vibrant culinary scene, and a haven for fitness and exercise enthusiasts. A perfect day would encompass a walk or run at the beach, brunch or dinner with friends, and watching the sunset in the evenings.

LA embodies the essence of a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, a city that resonates with my passions.  Some of my favorite hot spots include hot yoga at Yoga Six in Redondo or Hot 8 Yoga in El Segundo for exercise and delicious vegan places including Crossroads Kitchen in West Hollywood, Happy Veggie, and Pure Vida. I love Venice and Malibu for sight-seeing, but frankly everywhere in Los Angeles is a place to check out. Truly, Los Angeles is a city that has it all.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Absolutely, there are several individuals, groups, and experiences that deserve recognition in my journey.

Foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the formidable figures who challenged me, serving as catalysts for both my personal and professional growth. It was through these challenges and setbacks that I unearthed my resilience and developed the determination to overcome obstacles. Resilience, I learned, often emerges from hardship.

Throughout my clinical journey, I’ve been fortunate to have the guidance, mentorship, and unwavering encouragement of supportive figures. Their wisdom and expertise have left an indelible mark, influencing my approach as a psychotherapist. They’ve illuminated the transformative power of empathy and the profound impact of compassionate guidance on the healing journey of others.

I also want to extend a special shoutout to my family and friends, the bedrock upon which I’ve built both my personal and professional path. They instilled in me the values of hard work and determination, propelling me forward through both challenging and triumphant moments. My friends, many of whom are therapists themselves, have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Choosing faith over fear is what I’ve learned.

Website: www.lisachentherapy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisachentherapy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisafchen/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lisa-chen-therapy-emdr-hermosa-beach

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisachentherapy

Other: https://mintleaf.co/therapist/lisa-chen/3562095

Image Credits
Alison Michaela Photography (https://alisonmichaela.photography/)