“Compassion is not a relationship between the wounded and the healer. Rather it is a relationship between equals. It is only when we know our own darkness well, we can be present with the darkness of others”
Pema Chodron
Meet Christina Chen
Everything I've been through has led me to exactly where I am meant to be. Right here as a Registered Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor, and the founder of Radiance Wellbeing, walking alongside people in their journey to healing and allowing them to experience joy by moving through the obstacles that come their way.
My Journey
I have walked this path, experiencing my own mental health challenges but I have chosen to not let them define the way I live. I learnt the real cost of ignoring those seemingly small unspoken needs for too long and pushing myself to continue due to the pressure of responsibility, roles and commitments that did not bring me joy and made me feel trapped. I had to learn to rebuild from here, brick by brick, going back to simpler things that brought me happiness to find myself again. This is why I feel deeply passionate about walking alongside others to do the same, while de-stigmatising mental health in the process through connection and community.
My Experience
While completing an Associate of Arts degree (Family Studies) and then a Bachelor in Psychology, I gained valuable experience working in youth ministry as a leader and counsellor, then working for a local crisis line and as a Behavioural Interventionist, supporting children with autism. These roles grew my passion for helping people and cemented my career path as a counsellor, which led me to complete my Master’s degree in Counselling. I was trained in Vancouver, Canada as a Clinical Counsellor and Registered Supervisor. Now having worked over 15 years in front line and leadership roles across the mental health and wellbeing field, I have had the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of settings, including: school counselling, acute care, community mental health, pastoral care, youth and family work, trauma and community recovery. During this time I have also completed a number of specialised trainings in a variety of counselling theories and modalities to better support those I have the privilege of partnering with.
My Approach
With warmth and authenticity, my work is grounded in a trauma-informed, strengths-based, person-centred approach to counselling. My vision for Radiance Wellbeing is to be a space of genuine care, shared humanity and connection as we journey together through the real and raw rollercoaster of life. An innate ability to help people like you uncover your true purpose and joy, while empowering you to build better relationships and heal from within is what you can expect when we work together.
My Invitation To You
Making change is hard, and it requires a mix of effort, timing, openness and pure grit. If you choose to work with me, I promise you'll always receive a genuine interest in who you are, how you see yourself and what matters most to you. I promise we will likely laugh and cry over the course of our time together and that I will do everything I can to help you see that you are the expert and hero in your own story.
Are you ready to lean in and find your path to healing?
On a personal note
I am a daughter, sister, friend, and partner. I love the sun and regularly go out of my way (I literally moved across the world) to revel in it and seek out the warmth and joy it brings me. I love adventure and travel, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and rising up to a challenge. I enjoy music, reading, pilates, basketball, movies, walks on the beach, singing in the car (often too loudly), eating amazing food and spending time with the people I love.
My Qualifications
Associate of Arts - Family Studies
Bachelor's degree in Psychology,
minor in Human Development and CounsellingMaster’s degree in Counselling Psychology
Additional Specialist Training
Solution focused therapy and leadership
Family therapy and systems theory
Clinical Skills Trauma and PTSD
Professional Clinical Supervision Training
Child Protection training
Suicide prevention and risk assessments
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Registered Clinical Counsellor and member of the College of Supervisors with the Australian Counselling Association.
Follow my Journey
Let's Connect
Follow my Journey Let's Connect
