Meet Asian Australian Integrative Physiotherapist & Pain Coach, Ray Chen

We know that it's not always easy trying to work out which therapist we might like to work with: Because the decision isn't just about where they're located and when they're available, but there's a bit more of a human, relational element to the decision too.

So here at Shapes and Sounds, we want to help make that process just a little easier.

Every month, we'll be introducing a therapist from the Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List to help you gain a bit more insight into who you feel might be a good fit for you or someone that you know.

This month we're excited to connect you with Ray Chen who is an Integrative Physiotherapist and Pain Coach offering services in Freshwater, NSW, and Telehealth Australia-wide. We hope you enjoy connecting with Ray below!

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1. What led you to choosing mental health as a career?

My career began as a physiotherapist. My interest in psychology began there as I quickly realised that my profession did not adequately prepare me to treat the human being in front of me. The part of the job I really enjoyed was the ability to connect to people from all walks of life. I really loved working on my communication and ability to empathise with clients. The ability to motivate and inspire others were parts of the job I enjoyed.

Fast forward to 2017, a life changing accident changed my life. I suffered many injuries from which I was very fortunate to survive. I was left with limited function in my arm which stopped me working as a sports physio at the time.

This lead to a period of personal and spiritual growth. From there, a love and passion for mindfulness and psychology was ignited. I started to dive into the field, going on to study my honours in psychology and start a PhD in mindfulness for pain. I became an integrative physiotherapist, pain coach, and mindfulness practitioner from there.

My passion for mental health really began through my personal struggles after my accident and continues to be an area of personal and professional growth.

2. What is your unique cultural heritage?

I was born in China and moved to Australia when I was 5 years old. Both my parents are of Chinese descent. I have lived in Sydney most of my life.

3. What are your areas of specialty and what kind of frameworks do you work from?

I specialise in chronic and persistent pain conditions. Conditions such as lower back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, CRPS, EDS, arthritis, headaches/migraines just to name a few.

I work from a variety of frameworks including: acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness based interventions, somatic therapy, emotion focused therapy, trauma-informed pain care, and pain coaching.

4. What kind of clients are you best able to support?

I am best able to support anyone going through significant pain - people recovering from a traumatic accident or long term injury. I help people best manage their chronic health conditions.

5. If you could be your own therapist right now, what do you think you would say to yourself?

Take a breath. You are ok in this moment. Great things are coming for you.

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Connect with Ray via our Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List HERE.

Alternatively, if you feel like Ray may be a good fit for someone that you know, be sure to forward this page on to them too. Let us continue to not only support ourselves but all those around us too!

If you require urgent assistance, please do not contact Ray or any of the practitioners on this list. Instead, please call emergency services on 000 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Shapes and Sounds does not recommend or endorse Ray or any of the practitioners listed on the Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List.

Please always consult your GP before making changes to your mental health care plan.