Hongying Chen, Ph.D.

Staff Psychologist

Professional Interests: 

Family issues, relationship issues, depression, trauma, anxiety, anger management, eating disorders, racial and cultural identity, LGBTQ, international students’ adjustment and well-being, academic/career issues, and training and supervision,.

Background and Counseling Philosophy:

Hongying joined the UWO Counseling Center in 2009. She was born and raised in China. She came to the U.S. in 2001 to pursue clinical training in the mental health area. Before moving to Wisconsin, she completed a year-long internship at Texas A&M University’s Student Counseling Service. She earned a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at Ball State University in Indiana, a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northern Illinois University, and a Master’s degree in Psychoanalytic Studies at Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK. She has worked with individuals, couples, and families on a wide variety of concerns including developmental issues, adjustment concerns, relationships, depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, eating disorders, and academic and career issues. Respect and understanding for individual differences are core values for Hongying, whether she is working with individuals, or in a group therapy context. She emphasizes the working alliance and works to provide a safe and trusting environment for people who seek counseling. She recognizes the influence of early experiences on later development and the interconnectedness of the individual’s actions with the environment including family, social and cultural contexts. She pays attention to emotions and believes that emotions regulate mental functioning and organize both cognition and behaviors. Her approach is also influenced by Eastern philosophies which emphasize self awareness and the harmony between body and mind. Besides clinical work, she is involved in the diversity committee and works to promote cultural awareness and intercultural relationships on campus. Hongying has taught several courses throughout graduate school including Human Development, and the Fundamentals of Counseling.

Academic Training: 

Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Ball State University

M.S., Marriage and Family Therapy, Northern Illinois University

M.A., Psychoanalytic Studies, Leeds Metropolitan University

B.A., English, Beijing No.2 Foreign Languages Institutes

 Personal Interests:

Foreign movies, traveling, ethnic restaurants, reading, music, nature, and genuine interaction with others.