About
Meet
Dr. Alvin Phua
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
A little about me
A practical approach, grounded in understanding.
I’m Dr. Alvin Phua, a clinical psychologist who helps adults navigate emotional difficulties, better understand themselves, and make meaningful changes in their lives.
My background spans clinical psychology, higher education, and biomedical engineering—experiences that have shaped how I approach my work. I bring a practical, solution-focused mindset to therapy while recognizing that human experiences are rarely simple.
I believe effective therapy requires both an appreciation for the complexity of people’s lives and a clear focus on helping them move forward.
Looking beyond the surface.
People rarely come to therapy with problems that have a single cause or a straightforward solution. Our thoughts, emotions, relationships, personal histories, and circumstances are often interconnected.
My approach is integrative, drawing primarily from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy. I consider the different factors contributing to a person’s difficulties, while also working collaboratively to identify practical ways to address them.
Sometimes our work focuses on managing current challenges and finding relief. Other times, we explore deeper patterns, past experiences, and relationships that continue to influence the present.
Rather than applying the same approach to everyone, I work with clients to understand and address these different layers, one at a time.
What you can expect when we work together.
I listen first. Taking the time to understand your experiences and perspective is important to me. I’m also actively engaged in the process, offering clinical observations and insights, asking questions, and helping you consider different ways of understanding and approaching your challenges.
I value practical progress. Some clients benefit from focused, shorter-term work addressing immediate concerns, while others choose to continue therapy to explore more longstanding difficulties. Both can be valuable, depending on your needs and goals.
Throughout our work, I regularly check in about how therapy is going—what’s helping, what isn’t, and whether we should adjust our approach. I believe therapy should be responsive to you, rather than following a predetermined path.
Experience that informs my perspective.
My background in university counseling, community mental health clinics, higher education, and mentoring has given me experience working with individuals from diverse cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds.
I’m familiar with the challenges faced by students, professionals in demanding careers, particularly in the technology industry, and individuals navigating questions of identity, faith, and vocation. I also have extensive experience working with Christians, including those navigating difficult or harmful religious experiences. I recognize how culture, relationships, beliefs, and personal circumstances shape psychological well-being, and consider these influences in my work with each client.
Education & Professional Experience
Education
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Clinical Psychology
Fuller Theological Seminary, Graduate School of Psychology — Pasadena, CA
Master of Arts (M.A.), Clinical Psychology
Fuller Theological Seminary, Graduate School of Psychology — Pasadena, CA
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biomedical Engineering
University of California, Davis — Davis, CA
Professional & Clinical Experience
- Assistant Professor — Divine Mercy University, Sterling, VA
- Predoctoral Psychology Internship — Counseling and Psychological Services, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
- Clinical Training — Fuller Psychological & Family Services, Pasadena, CA
- Clinical Training — Biola University Counseling Center, La Mirada, CA
- Coach — Bridges International, Cru
Licensure
- Clinical Psychologist, Commonwealth of Virginia: 0810008479
- PSYPACT APIT Number: 18559
Getting started
Let's begin with a conversation.
Finding the right psychologist is an important decision. I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn a little about what brings you to therapy, answer your questions, and explore whether working together would be a good fit.