Meet Chenglu
Chenglu Ding, LPC
“Do you feel like you’re holding everything together on the outside, but struggling on the inside?”
Maybe your mind won’t slow down, you overthink your relationships, or you’re hard on yourself no matter how much you achieve. You might even understand why you feel this way, but still feel stuck.
You don’t have to go through this alone. I deeply believe that every person holds the capacity to heal. Our brains are wired for growth and change, which means we can form new and healthier pathways even after painful experiences.
I work with people who want more than just coping—they want to understand themselves on a deeper level and actually feel different, not just “manage” their symptoms.
In individual therapy, I integrate evidence-based approaches such as CBT and EMDR to help clients process past experiences that affect their sense of self, relationships, and emotional well-being. We will explore unhelpful thought patterns, address negative self-talk, and build tools to regulate emotions and navigate life with more compassion.
In couples therapy, I use the Gottman Method to help partners move beyond recurring conflicts, communicate more effectively, and rebuild connection. I create a supportive and balanced space where each person feels heard, and safe to express themselves. I will help you listen without defensiveness, express needs more clearly, and respond with empathy.
As a first-generation Asian immigrant, my own experiences navigating cultural and familial expectations, intergenerational trauma, and shifting identities led me to become a therapist. As someone who has walked this path, I understand how challenging and vulnerable this work can be. I bring both clinical expertise and personal insight into the therapy room to create a warm, culturally responsive space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported.
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP TOWARDS CHANGE
You can make an appointment with me by using our online portal at any time or by emailing info@abetterlifetherapy.com. Our team will be happy to support you in finding an appointment time that works for you!
I provide both in-person and online appointments at our Center City, Philadelphia office.
My rate per 50-minute session is $170
Check your insurance
I work with Mentaya, a platform that helps clients get money back on out-of-network therapy sessions. If you have out-of-network benefits, Mentaya will file claims and handle the insurance paperwork to make sure you get reimbursed. They charge a 5% fee per claim and you can use the tool below to check your insurance benefits.
Languages spoken:
English
Chinese
Mandarin
I work with..
Adult Individuals
Children
Families
Couples
Specializations:
Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
Life Transitions
Relationships
training & Education:
University of Pennsylvania
M.Phil.Ed. Professional Counseling
M.S.Ed. Counseling and Mental Health Services
Certifications:
Prepare/Enrich Premarital Counseling
Trained in…
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Level 1-2 Gottman Method Therapy Training
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Read more from Chenglu:
For more information e-mail info@abetterlifetherapy.com.