“The stars we are given. The constellations we make. That is to say, stars exist in the cosmos, but constellations are the imaginary lines we draw between them, the readings we give the sky, the stories we tell.”
About Me
Michelle Chong, MA, MFT, License #105327
My family has been in Los Angeles for five generations. I love Los Angeles for its diverse and rich culture. Growing up, I also spent a lot of time in the Uinta and Wasatch Mountains in Utah, and gained a deep appreciation for nature and our environment. When I get tired of the city hustle and traffic, I enjoy a respite out in the high desert, up the in old-growth forests, or somewhere along the coast by the water.
I went to college at the University of Washington in Seattle and studied Forestry, Conservation, and Photography, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Environmental Studies. I continued my education in Art, Photography, and Critical Theory at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, and earned a Master’s degree in Fine Art. After exhibiting my work in both galleries and museums, as well as curating exhibitions nationally and internationally, I was interested in expanding my art practice into more community engagement. I continued my studies in Community Psychology, LGBTQ Specialization, and Spirituality and Mindfulness at Antioch University, Los Angeles, and earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.
In addition to my private practice, I supervise and teach graduate students at the Miracle Mile Community Practice in Los Angeles, I have served as Faculty in the Masters Counseling Program, Department of Special Educational, Rehabilitation and Counseling at Cal State University San Bernardino, and at Southern California Counseling Center in Los Angeles. I was also a part of a local research team for five years and my work is published in the Journal of Contemporary Narrative Therapy.
How I May Help You
What is therapy?
I currently provide in-person and online video sessions. Each session is 50 minutes where we can talk about any issues in your life you feel need some special attention. Typically, we will meet once a week, or every other week. During our sessions, we will discuss the issues you are experiencing and draw a fuller picture about the problems you are up against. We will explore where the problems are coming from, how they are showing up in your life, and develop ways to address them. We will also identify what is important to you, what you value, and shine a light on your unique strengths and abilities. As we map out the problems you are experiencing, we will figure out ways to take action, make choices inline with your values, and work towards sustainable, meaningful change, and personal growth.
Approaches
Decolonizing Therapy
I work collaboratively from a postmodern and feminist lens. What that means is that I am interested in understanding the social and political context in which you find yourself. I am passionate about supporting marginalized experiences and underrepresented groups. I work from a non-judgmental and compassionate approach. I am curious about your life, your story, and the things YOU give value to.
“It is the story of self-narrative that determines the shape of the expression of our lived experience.”
Mindfulness
If we find it useful, we can discuss mindfulness practices during our sessions. There may be some benefits of these practices to reduce stress, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and nurture calmness and presence.
Areas of Focus
Anxiety
Depression
Relationships
LGBTQIA+ Identities
BIPOC Identities
Life Transitions, Career Issues, Creativity Issues
Adolescents
Couple’s Therapy, Open Relationships, Polyamory, Kink
Family Therapy
Rates
Sessions are 50 minutes. My fee is $250 per session for individuals, couples, and families. I do not accept insurance, however, I am happy to provide a superbill for insurance reimbursement.
Contact
For a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we are a good fit, please call or text (707) 622-6698, email michellechong.mft@gmail.com, or use the form on the right to reach me.
I look forward to connecting with you!
My office is located in Larchmont Village in Central Los Angeles, close to Hancock Park, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Koreatown, and Mid-City.
143 N. Larchmont Blvd., second floor, Los Angeles, CA 90004
