Meet Ping

Professional headshot of Ping Chai, licensed counselor in Greenville SC offering in-person and online therapy

Hello, my name is Ping Chai, and I’m so glad you found your way here.

Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or seeking a fresh perspective after previous counseling experiences, choosing the right therapist is a deeply personal decision. Because therapy is all about supporting your unique journey, it’s important to find someone whose style, values, personality, experience, approach resonate with you. So who is Ping, and what should you know about me as you go through numerous therapist profiles that all look qualified and relevant for your needs?

My Journey

A lifelong curiosity about cultures has shaped my journey from an early age. Growing up in Singapore—a multicultural city-state where East and West harmoniously converge and diversity thrives—I was immersed in a tapestry of traditions and perspectives. My path has since taken me far beyond those shores, with decades spent traveling extensively and living as a student, professional, and expat in the Asia Pacific, during which I gained firsthand insight into the challenges and growth that come with international relocation and cultural adaptation. Since the mid 2010s, I have called the Southeast United States home, embracing the immigrant experience with all its complexities, rewards, and even, grief. This chapter of my journey has offered me a deeply personal understanding of what it means to plant roots in a new territory, to seek belonging, to navigate the nuances of a new culture, and to make peace with myself.

Professional and Counseling Background

Prior to becoming a mental health therapist, I worked in news and business consulting while living in Asia. My path in counseling started after I relocated to Greenville and received training to serve as a lay counselor in my church in 2015. I went to graduate school while working full-time in the Care ministry of a large and culturally diverse church, during which I became familiar with the vast spiritual, emotional, and mental health needs of a diverse group of people. As part of my student internship and pre-licensure on-the-job training, I also accumulated clinical experience serving a wide variety of clientele in a private service setting.

I earned my Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling with Distinction from Liberty University in 2020. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of South Carolina. I am a member of the South Carolina Counseling Association and regularly invest in continued education to ensure I provide quality and up-to-date services to my clients.

My Beliefs

My diverse background and Christian faith deeply inform how I view and care for others. I believe that every person—regardless of their background, story, or circumstance—possesses inherent worth and dignity. I also believe that how we think and behave reveal our deepest motivations, and my instinct is to understand the motivations that drive you rather than judge you. Guided by these convictions, my motto is to always treat everyone with respect, compassion, and openness. We are all sojourners on this earth, and I believe everyone can live a meaningful life rooted in the foundation of optimized mental wellness.

Within my practice, I cultivate an environment where all feel welcomed and valued. I am honored to walk alongside those who seek therapy from a Christian perspective, as well as those who come from different faith traditions or prefer a non-religious approach. It is important to me that every individual who comes to my practice is heard, understood, and supported on their unique journey.

Why Work with Me?

Holistic. I take a holistic approach to therapy, considering your physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and spiritual life as interconnected parts of your overall wellness. Using a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework, my mission is to support your healing and growth in every area of life.

Diverse Life and Professional Background. My being a therapist with an unconventional background brings a unique and rich perspective to the therapeutic relationship. I thrive on connecting with people from different backgrounds and perspectives, and tailor my approach in a way that honors your individual story and values.

Intercultural Savvy. Having lived and worked in multiple countries since I was a very young adult and now an immigrant myself, I provide nuanced support for expats and immigrants facing identity shifts, loneliness, or workplace cultural conflicts. I also work well with professionals who want to work with a therapist who has an intimate understanding of the unique stress and challenges of frequent international travels and working in a global setting.

Attention to Confidentiality. My international journalism and consulting years required handling and compartmentalizing high value, sensitive information and ethically complex scenarios—a skillset that may be especially important to clients who are in a high profile position, senior management, or just want added privacy.

Solo Practitioner. As a solo practice owner, I am able to offer you greater scheduling flexibility and enhanced confidentiality. Regular peer consultations with several other independent therapists with whom I share the same building also allows me to refer you to a trusted colleague who has expertise in issues that are outside of my specializations, should your needs ever require it.

Three-Language Support. Being a trilingual and tricultural therapist, I have a deep appreciation of how some experiences and emotions can only be fully expressed in one’s native tongue, and provide therapy in English, Mandarin, and on select cases, Japanese.

Let’s Connect

If you're wondering whether we might be a good fit, I invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation. This gives us both an opportunity to connect and explore how we might work together on your journey toward healing and growth. Your journey toward healing and wholeness starts with a single step—I'll be honored to take that step with you.