Irene Chou, M.Ed.

What problem do you strive to overcome?

Problem: Many individuals, particularly young adults, athletes, and those in high-performance environments, struggle to manage the demands of both their personal and professional lives. As pressures from academics, athletics, social expectations, and family responsibilities intensify, these clients often experience heightened stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. This can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed, making it difficult for them to take the first step toward therapy. They may question whether therapy will be effective or feel unsure about how to begin addressing their challenges.

Solution: I offer a holistic and individualized therapeutic approach, drawing from my background in performance-based therapy, teaching, and coaching to support clients in both professional and personal settings. With an understanding of the unique challenges high achievers face in competitive environments and the complexities of maintaining healthy relationships, I work with individuals to build emotional resilience, manage stress, and gain clarity in both career and personal life. For families, I focus on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and resolving conflicts while balancing the demands of high-pressure careers and relationships. Additionally, my dual-language proficiency in Mandarin Chinese allows me to provide culturally responsive care to Mandarin-speaking clients, ensuring an inclusive and deeply relevant therapeutic experience for a diverse range of individuals.

Result: I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering therapeutic environment where clients feel supported in their journey. By fostering strong therapeutic relationships, I help clients overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve their goals with clarity and confidence.

Experience:
With over 15 years of coaching experience at the college, travel club, and high school levels, as well as 10 years as a high school teacher, I have a deep understanding of the mental and emotional challenges faced by athletes, students, and high performers. My background as a collegiate athlete and educator allows me to empathize with the pressures of balancing career goals, academic ambitions, and personal growth. I am also well-positioned to support professionals in high-pressure settings and couples navigating the complexities of relationships amid demanding careers. My fluency in Mandarin Chinese further enables me to offer culturally sensitive care to diverse client populations.

Client Focus:

• Individuals and families

• Young Adults and adolescents

• Athletes, high performers, and children (ages 6+)

• Mandarin-speaking clients seeking therapy in their native language

Types of Therapy:

• Person-Centered Therapy

• Sports Psychology and Performance-Based Therapy

• Family System

• CBT & DBT

Specialties:

• Anxiety, depression, trauma

• Performance pressures

• Parenting challenges, family dynamic

• Relationship work

More than just my work:
"Strength does not come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t." — Rikki Rogers

As a former collegiate athlete, I find joy in movement, whether it's through sports activities or simply being active. When I need to reconnect with myself, I often turn to cooking or traveling, as they remind me of the power of focus and being present. I am a food and boba enthusiast. Always happy to try new spots or share recommendations to my favorite places.


你致力於克服哪些問題？

問題：

許多個人，特別是年輕成人、運動員以及身處高競爭環境中的人，常難以平衡個人與職業生活的需求。隨著學業、運動、社會期待和家庭責任的壓力不斷增加，這些群體往往會經歷高度的壓力、焦慮和自我懷疑。他們可能感到不知所措，無法確定如何前進，甚至難以踏出尋求心理治療的第一步。他們可能會懷疑治療的效果，或者對如何開始處理自己的挑戰感到迷茫。

解決方案：

我提供整體性且個人化的治療方法，結合我在表現導向心理療程、教育和運動指導的背景，來幫助客戶在職場與個人生活中取得平衡。我深刻理解高成就者在競爭環境中所面臨的獨特挑戰，以及維持健康人際關係的複雜性。我擅長與個人合作，幫助他們建立情緒韌性、管理壓力，並在學職業與個人生活中獲得清晰的方向。對於家庭，我專注於改善溝通、重建信任，並解決衝突，同時協助他們平衡高壓學職業與人際關係的需求。此外，我具備流利的雙語能力，能夠為華語客戶提供文化敏感的心理治療，確保治療經驗貼合他們的文化背景和需求。

結果：

我致力於營造一個安全、溫暖且充滿支持的治療環境，讓客戶能夠在心理成長的旅程中感到被接納與鼓勵。透過建立穩固的治療關係，我幫助客戶克服障礙、增強韌性，並帶著清晰與自信朝向目標邁進。

專業經驗：

我擁有超過15年的運動指導經驗，指導大學、旅行俱樂部及高中運動隊，並有10年的高中教師經歷。我深知運動員、學生及高成就者在心理與情感上所面臨的挑戰。作為一名前大學運動員與教育者，我能夠理解並共鳴於人們在追求學職業目標、學術成就和個人成長之間的壓力。我也擅長協助處於高壓環境的專業人士，以及在繁忙職業生涯中努力維繫關係的伴侶。此外，我的雙語能力使我能夠為不同文化背景的客戶提供貼合需求的心理治療。

服務對象：

• 個人與家庭

• 青年與青少年

• 運動員、高成就者及兒童

• 需要以中文或雙語進行治療的客戶

治療取向：

• 以人為本的心理治療（Person-Centered Therapy）

• 運動心理學與表現導向心理治療（Sports Psychology & Performance-Based Therapy）

• 家庭系統治療（Family System Therapy）

• 認知行為療法（CBT）與 辯證行為療法（DBT）

專長領域：

• 焦慮、憂鬱、創傷

• 表現壓力與競技心理

• 親職教育與家庭關係

• 人際與親密關係議題

不僅僅是一份工作，更是一種熱愛：

"力量並非來自你能夠做到的事情，而是來自於你曾以為自己無法克服的挑戰。" — Rikki Rogers

作為一名前大學運動員，我熱愛透過運動來釋放壓力，無論是從事競技活動還是單純地讓身體動起來。當我需要與自己重新連結時，我經常透過烹飪或旅行來讓自己保持專注，並享受當下的每一刻。此外，我也是美食與手搖飲愛好者，樂於探索新店家，也樂於與人分享我最推薦的美食與飲品。