Virtual and In-Person Therapy and Coaching Throughout Maryland & Virginia

Empowering Asian-American Men and Women on Their Journey to Heal from the Past and Thrive

Do you feel caught between two worlds, struggling to balance your cultural identity with the expectations of your family and the society you live in?

Do you struggle with the burden of perfectionism, academic or career pressure, and the fear of disappointing family or community?

Do you hesitate to talk about your mental health or seek therapy due to fear of cultural stigma, judgment from others, or struggles being dismissed as weakness?

Do you find it difficult to bridge the generational gap with your parents or elders, feeling misunderstood or stuck between traditional values and your own needs?

Do you wish you could talk to a therapist who truly understands your experiences as an Asian American without having to explain every cultural nuance?

Do you want a safe space to heal and grow, where your cultural background is acknowledged, respected, and embraced as part of your healing journey?

You’re in the right place…

Our communities have long been under-served in mental health care, with many individuals facing barriers such as cultural stigma, lack of culturally competent resources, and the difficulty of finding a therapist who truly understands their experiences.

Many Asian Americans long for a therapist who not only understands the intricacies of their cultural background but also shares in the experience of working through the challenges of being part of multiple worlds.

I am passionate about meeting these needs by offering empathy, validation, and guidance that is rooted in shared cultural understanding.

Hello,

and welcome!

I’m Chong, a therapist committed to providing a safe, empathetic space for Asian American individuals and families. As an Asian American myself, I understand the unique challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities and the pressures that come with it. My goal is to support you through life's challenges while honoring your cultural background.

I specialize in helping my clients manage cultural expectations, generational gaps, and complexities of identity. Whether reconciling traditional family values with contemporary needs, navigating the pressures of perfectionism, addressing mental health stigma, or pursuing a sense of belonging, I am here to offer compassionate guidance and tailored support as you create meaningful, lasting changes.

Healing is not just about addressing mental health concerns but embracing the cultural context that shapes your life. I’m here to help you find balance and clarity so you can live a fulfilling, authentic life.

Specializations

  • Mood & Anxiety

    Manage overwhelm, stress and volatile emotions

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  • Self-Esteem

    Build confidence, inner-trust and self-worth

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  • Boundary-Setting

    Set and stick to limits without guilt

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  • Interpersonal Relationships

    Improve communication and connection

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  • C-PTSD

    Heal from deep attachment and inner-child wounds

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  • Adoptee Trauma

    Process losses, grief and yearning to belong

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  • Life Transitions

    Navigate changes with curiosity and clarity

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  • ADHD

    Embrace strengths and learn adaskills

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Therapy Approaches

At Balanced Within Counseling, I am committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and affirming space for all.

I honor the voices, experiences, and needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Neurodiversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated as an integral part of our shared humanity.

Every individual deserves to feel seen, respected, and valued. I reject racism, discrimination, and systemic inequities in all forms. I practice client-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based therapy, weaving in principles of restorative justice. I’m committed to challenging systems of oppression and colonization that perpetuate harm, and I strive to create a space that is inclusive, affirming and anti-racist.

As a human being, I’m continuously learning and growing alongside my clients. I embrace curiosity, humility, and openness to new perspectives, and I welcome honest conversations about my efforts to create such a space. Trust, authenticity and transparency are at the core of my practice, and I invite you to share any concerns, questions or feedback with me along the way.

You are welcome here — fully and authentically as you are.