How do I know if Lisa Chen & Associates is the right fit for me?

We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. It's a chance to get to know us, understand our approach, and see if we align with your needs. The purpose of an initial consultation is to determine if you are a good fit for working together. You can expect a 15-20 minute conversation where you will have the opportunity to share your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of the therapist's approach and personality.

Our fees range from $180 to $350 per 50-minute session based on the clinician's experience, specialized training, and services provided. Lisa Chen's fees are $350 per 50-minute session for both individual and couples counseling. Licensed Client Session fees are $200 for individual and $225 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. Associate Clinician fees are $180 for individual and $200 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. We also reserve spots for clients requesting a sliding-scale rate to accommodate financial needs.

Do you accept insurance?

Lisa Chen & Associates are out-of-network providers. We provide monthly insurance statements ('Superbills') for you to seek partial reimbursement from your insurance company according to your policy. For questions about your out-of-network benefits, please contact your insurance carrier before scheduling.

What is your cancellation policy?

Weekly clients are allowed 3 free cancellations every 6 months, and bi-weekly clients are allowed 2 free cancellations every 6 months, beginning from the date of your first session. You will be responsible for payment for your normally scheduled session time for all cancelled appointments beyond this. Please provide at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. You may always choose to reschedule and/or take sessions virtually to accommodate occasional scheduling conflicts.

How often should I expect to meet?

We recommend weekly therapy sessions for optimal progress. However, there are times when clients prefer to meet twice a week for more complex challenges. During your initial phone consultation, let us know if you are interested in more frequent sessions.

Are you offering in-person sessions?

Yes, we are seeing clients in our South Bay office located at 2615 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 322, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. We also offer telehealth sessions for California residents.

How do I get started with counseling?

The first step is to schedule an initial consultation by calling our office or submitting the contact form on our website. This allows us to understand your needs and match you with the best therapist for your situation. From there, we'll work with you to schedule ongoing sessions.

Understanding Workaholism: A Psychotherapist's Perspective

As an experienced psychotherapist working with high achievers, I've had the privilege of working with many individuals struggling with workaholism. Today, I want to share some insights about this complex issue, hoping to shed light on its underlying causes and offer a path towards healing.

What is Workaholism?

Workaholism goes beyond simply working long hours or being dedicated to your job. It's an emotional dependence on work that can be as powerful and destructive as any other addiction. Just as someone might turn to alcohol or drugs, a workaholic turns to their job to escape from emotional pain or discomfort.

The Roots of Workaholism

In my practice, I've observed that workaholism often stems from deeper psychological issues. These may include:

Low self-esteem: Work becomes a way to prove one's worth and value.
Childhood trauma or neglect: Overworking can be an attempt to gain the approval and love that was missing in childhood.
Anxiety or depression: Work serves as a distraction from uncomfortable feelings.
Perfectionism: The need to be 'perfect' drives excessive work habits.
Fear of failure: Constant work is a way to avoid potential failure in other areas of life.

Understanding these root causes is crucial in addressing workaholism effectively. It's not just about working less; it's about healing the underlying wounds that drive this behavior.

How Workaholism Develops

Workaholism often develops gradually. It might start with a genuine passion for your work or a desire to excel in your career. However, over time, it can evolve into an unhealthy coping mechanism.

For example, Sarah, a client of mine, shared how her workaholism began:

"After my divorce, I threw myself into work. At first, it felt good to be productive and distracted. But soon, I couldn't stop. Even when I was home, I was checking emails or thinking about projects. Work became my whole life."

This progression is common. What starts as a way to cope with a difficult situation can become a habitual response to any form of stress or emotional discomfort.

What Workaholism Attempts to Achieve

Through my work with clients, I've come to understand that workaholism is often an attempt to fulfill unmet needs or avoid uncomfortable realities. Here's what it might be trying to achieve:

Control: In a world that often feels chaotic, work can provide a sense of control and predictability.
Self-worth: For many, achievements and productivity become the primary source of self-esteem.
Emotional regulation: Work can serve as a distraction from difficult emotions or personal problems.
Avoidance: Overworking can be a way to avoid confronting issues in personal relationships or other areas of life.
Security: There might be an underlying belief that by working constantly, one can ensure financial security and avoid potential hardship.

The Impact on Relationships and Self

While workaholism might seem productive on the surface, it often comes at a great cost. Relationships suffer as work takes precedence over quality time with loved ones. The workaholic might be physically present but emotionally absent, leading to feelings of disconnection and resentment.

Moreover, the relentless pursuit of work often leads to neglect of self-care, hobbies, and personal growth outside of one's career. This imbalance can result in burnout, health problems, and a sense of emptiness despite professional success.

Recognizing the Signs in Yourself

Self-awareness is the first step towards change. Ask yourself:

Do you feel anxious or guilty when you're not working?
Has your work habits negatively impacted your relationships?
Do you use work to avoid dealing with personal issues or emotions?
Is work your primary source of self-esteem?
Do you find it difficult to enjoy leisure activities without thinking about work?

If you answered yes to several of these, it might be time to examine your relationship with work more closely.

therapy for workaholism in hermosa beach

Healing and Growth: Steps Towards Balance

Overcoming workaholism is a journey, but it's one worth taking. Here are some steps to start:

Practice self-compassion: Recognize that your worth isn't tied to your productivity.
Set boundaries: Establish clear work hours and stick to them.
Reconnect with neglected parts of yourself: Rediscover hobbies and interests outside of work.
Nurture relationships: Make time for meaningful connections with others.
Learn to tolerate discomfort: Instead of turning to work, sit with uncomfortable emotions and learn from them.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you're struggling to make these changes on your own, it might be time to seek professional help. A therapist can provide support in:

Exploring the root causes of your workaholism
Developing healthier coping mechanisms
Addressing any underlying issues like anxiety or depression
Learning to build a more balanced and fulfilling life

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's an investment in your well-being and your relationships.

Conclusion

Workaholism is a complex issue, often rooted in deeper emotional needs and past experiences. It does take time to address the underlying issues if workaholism has impacted you. But with awareness, compassion, and support, it's possible to develop a healthier relationship with work and create a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Remember, you are more than your work. Your value as a person isn't determined by your productivity or achievements. By addressing the underlying issues driving your workaholism, you can open the door to richer relationships, improved well-being, and a more authentic sense of self.