Navigating Life’s Journeys
A note from Dr. Cheng
Believe me that you are stronger and more resilient than you recognize right now. You hold hidden depths and untapped resources whether you know it or not. I am here to support and guide you, and to hold this space for your healing and growth. During our work together, I will provide you with the tools, techniques, and strategies you need to ease your distress, live with more confidence and mindfulness, and become the best version of yourself.
About me
Dr. Cheng received her B.A. from Smith College and her doctorate in clinical psychology from St. John's University, where she specialized in child and adolescent psychotherapy. Her doctoral dissertation was about the influence of acculturation on the self-concept of first-generation Chinese-American adolescents, which foreshadowed her passion for acculturation issues throughout her clinical career.
Dr. Cheng completed her clinical training at Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center, Nassau University Medical Center, and St. Mary’s Children and Family Services (now MercyFirst).
Since receiving her Ph.D., Dr. Cheng has worked in diverse treatment settings beginning with the Asian Behavioral Health Clinic at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, where she specialized in providing psychotherapy for Mandarin-speaking children, teens, adults, and the elderly.
She then transitioned to the School Health Program at Montefiore Medical Center, where she worked for over a decade. In this program, she provided psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and their families within a school and mental health setting. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Cheng provided clinical supervision to staff psychologists and social workers. She was promoted to lead the Psychology Externship program, which was recognized throughout the New York Metropolitan area as one that provided unique and rigorous training in school-based mental health. Dr. Cheng was featured in The Monitor on Psychology, a publication of the American Psychological Association, for her work at Montefiore.
Dr. Cheng has run a growing private practice in Manhasset, New York for several years, and is excited to expand the practice to full-time. Her private practice welcomes clients of all ages and from all backgrounds, who are looking for the help they need to grow, thrive, and heal.
As a licensed clinical psychologist for almost twenty years, Dr. Cheng is expert in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, acculturation stresses, and academic difficulties. Her work incorporates cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, person-centered, and play therapy techniques. She has advanced training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.
She is also certified in the practice of Sand Play Therapy, a creative therapeutic method that uncovers unconscious conflicts, particularly suited to those who prefer a more “right-brained” approach.
Dr. Cheng's overall theoretical orientation is integrative and person-centered. She believes and trusts that her clients possess an innate force to grow and heal. Through compassion, creativity, empathy, optimism, and a sense of humor, she facilitates such growth and healing by helping clients understand themselves, manage their emotions, utilize their strengths, overcome life's challenges, and strive to achieve their potential.