IVAN S. CHEE, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
EDUCATION
Psy.D., Clinical Psychology | Alliant International University
M.A., Psychology | Medaille College
B.A., Human Services | University of North Texas
A.A.S., Substance Abuse Counseling | Eastfield College
Cert., Mental Health | Dallas College
Cert., Texas Civil Mediation | Dallas College
THERAPY SERVICES:
Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapy
Group Psychotherapy
Career and Academic Coaching
EVALUATION SERVICES:
Psychological Evaluations
Career and Vocational Assessments
OTHER SERVICES:
Community Outreach & Support
Clinical Supervision & Training
ABOUT DR. CHEE
Dr. Chee is a native of Queens, New York, but has been in Texas for over 30 years (however, he adamantly identifies as a Yankee). He attended school originally in Queens, and then high school in Bedford, Texas. He worked for several years in general administration, and healthcare administration. Having seen several friends lured into the world of drugs, Dr. Chee began a course of study in Substance Abuse Counseling at Eastfield College, where he graduated with both a certificate in Mental Health Counseling Prevention, and an Associate of Applied Sciences in Substance Abuse Counseling. He then applied to the University of North Texas, where he graduated with a bachelors degree in Health and Human Services, graduating Magna cum Laude (with high honors). He received his Master's degree in Psychology from Medaille College with his colleague, Dr. Chapman. With a desire to pursue a doctorate degree with a counseling focus, he continued his education at Argosy University, where he graduated with a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Counseling Psychology. His doctoral dissertation focused on the relationship between black patients working in rural Texas with middle class white therapists.
At Psychology Profs, he spends 75% of his time offering advanced psychotherapy to children, adolescent, and adults. However, he has a passion for community outreach, especially to at-risk youth, and runs a group basket-ball team that also meets once a week to focus on team building, interpersonal skills, intrapersonal awareness, and general communication and goal setting. Dr. Chee occasionally offers and supervises psychological testing, and consults on the evaluation of other patients within the clinical team setting. However, his passion is in counseling, substance abuse, and community psychotherapy.
In his spare time he enjoys watching the Giants beat the Cowboys, the Yankees beat the Rangers, the Knicks beat the Mavericks (although he’ll admit that the Mavericks aren’t too bad), visiting New York, looking at pictures of New York, …and otherwise eating, sleeping, and breathing, New York. His primary hobby is basketball, though he's a lover of all sports. He also has an interest in architecture and gardening. Although he won't admit it, we have officially declared him to have a keen interest in men's fashion and style. He can pull off things none of our other staff would dream of attempting.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
I generally work from an interpersonal perspective, and pull from two specific theories: dynamic and existential/humanistic.
What does all that even mean?
Existential: What is the point... of everything? Life? Death? What do I think about myself? What do I think about others? Do I need others? Do they need me? Can I survive 100% alone if need be? Who would miss me when I'm gone? Who really makes my decisions? Me? My spouse or partner? My parents? The law? Am I really accountable? If so, to whom? Myself? God? This may sound depressing at first, but it certainly isn't. Existential therapy is all about creating meaning in one's life.
Dynamic: How aware am I of my thoughts? How aware am I that I do certain things, automatically? Are others aware? Does my childhood have anything to do with the me that exists today? Are there deeply rooted patterns to the way I respond to life's issue? Where did they come from? Are they positive or negative? Are there patterns in the way my relationships develop? What is my own role in those patterns? While psychodynamic therapy did stem from Freud's work, a lot of his work is no longer relevant to clinical practice. So don't worry: no couches, no oedipus discussions, and no creepily silent therapist who won't self-disclose.
Interpersonal: Interpersonal therapy is the way in which I choose to explore existential and dynamic issues... to extract the knowledge from those two types of discussion. Interpersonal therapy examines, as you might expect, the interpersonal relationships in your life. But a BIG key in doing so is to examine the interpersonal climate between patient and therapist. Most people have never, in their entire life, been able to have a 100% transparent conversation with another human being.
Myths: Therapy is not paying for a friend. The therapy relationship is unlike any other. I do not believe that therapists should avoid self disclosure. I do not believe that therapists should be stoic, emotionless, or vacant (as in the original traditional psychoanalytic approach). I do not believe that therapists should avoid hugging a patient (with some exceptions, of course). I do not believe that therapists should avoid weeping with a patient (I've done so many many times). I do not believe that therapists should avoid loving their patient. I do not believe that on rainy days, wearing slippers in a therapy session is inappropriate.
Therapy should feel good, much like working out feels good. It may hurt at times. It may be hard and scary and confusing. But that indicates growth. A mentor once said to me that therapy should be more physical therapy than massage therapy.
As you might sit and enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea) with a friend, I invite you to enjoy one with me. I will not be silent. I will ask questions. I will offer feedback. I will be curious. I will explore... but I will do so with you, and for your benefit. My goal is incite in you, that same sense of curiosity and exploration. Therapy is like two explorers, embarking on a journey, hoping to cover as much unchartered territory as they can before either (a) death comes for one of us, or (b) your insurance runs out.
I generally prefer weekly sessions.
I generally prefer at least a 6 month commitment if not more.
I generally prefer that you come to therapy loaded with questions, ready to work.
The first session or two is a time for each patient to determine if I'm the right therapist for them. And if not, that's totally OK. We will make sure you find someone that feels right for you.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
American Bar Association
American Psychological Association
Texas Psychological Association
Texas Psychology Legislative Advisory Board
Kentucky Psychological Association
American Board of Medical Psychology