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Debbie Chung
I was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica, West Indies. My commitment to my profession in mental health is evident in my educational trajectory. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Pace University. I am currently a doctoral candidate pursuing a doctoral degree in Mental Health Counseling.
I currently work at a Medical school – affiliated teaching hospital with trainees at all levels and active fellowship. Specifically focused on creating equity and access to research and training programs that train underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities pursuing research in health disparities. I am also an adjunct professor at Monroe College and Pace University.
Helping people is one of the main reasons I chose a profession in mental health counseling. I enjoy working with people to overcome difficult life challenges and to develop healthy coping mechanisms. Further, connecting people with resources and educational opportunities is an essential part of helping clients achieve changes that will lead to improvements in their lives.
Often, clients are concerned that therapists may not identify with what they are going through. It is my commitment to help clients benefit from culturally tailored therapy that considers their differences and experiences to improve their overall functioning and well-being. I think that people are unique, and treatment should be tailored to meet their needs. Hence, I prefer an integrated approach to treatment. I also align closely with the humanistic approach, which assumes that people are, at their core, good, and healthy. Therefore, positive self-regard is one of the humanistic approach's tenets, which I consider an essential ingredient in therapy. Clients appreciate the ease and genuineness when meeting with me, which facilitates the building of a therapeutic alliance.
I am a mother to a young adult son and an aunt to three great-nephews and a niece. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, spinning, visiting museums, watching movies, and listening to various kinds of music.