Why You Worry: Obsessing, Overthinking, and Overanalyzing Explained
Rachel Chan
Biography
I am a postdoctoral fellow and psychologist candidate in Denver, Colorado specializing in treating children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, OCD, and related concerns. I strive to collaboratively tailor treatments to meet the unique needs of each client, taking a culturally humble approach to explore how past experiences, social identities, environment, and values may impact each individual’s challenges and goals. I greatly value my role as a therapist and the opportunity to genuinely connect with and support clients in whatever way they may need.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Case Western Reserve University in 2017. I then spent two years as a research coordinator for various projects exploring the influence of social stressors, systems of prejudice, and resilience on the experience and treatment of anxiety disorders. I returned to CWRU for my graduate education, where I completed my Master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (degree to be officially conferred in January, 2027).
Throughout my graduate training, I had the privilege of serving clients and families in a variety of outpatient programs, including community mental health, private practice, and hospital-based settings. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia (AU/MCG) in 2025. There, I specialized in socially-based mental health disparities and chronic illness, with rotations in multiple integrated health clinics, and with a particular emphasis on work with LGBTQ+ clients. While finishing my dissertation, I completed an additional year of training at AU/MCG, specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have worked with individuals experiencing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety disorders, OCD, mood disorders, complex PTSD, ADHD, and severe emotion dysregulation, and I have always had a particular passion for working with people struggling with anxiety.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy exploring the Denver food scene, spending time outdoors (especially hiking or skiing), gaming, knitting, cross stitching, or serving as a human-shaped bed for my cat.
What would your client say about you as a therapist?
My clients would describe me as warm, nonjudgmental, collaborative, and genuinely curious to hear their stories. I’ve been told by clients that I’m easy to talk to, that they feel comfortable being vulnerable with me, and that they appreciate that I come across as a real, relatable person. They have also told me that they appreciate my comfort with challenging them in a way that feels validating and helps them to grow.
Do you have any pets?
I have a perfect cat named Beatrice whose favorite activities include napping on people’s laps, chasing her wormie toy, and drinking out of people’s water glasses when they’re not looking.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Probably belting along with show tunes when I’m alone in my car. Fun fact: I know just about every word to Hamilton.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Finding, eating, and sometimes cooking good food, knitting, cross stitch, playing video games, and spending time outdoors.
What's your favorite TV show?
It’s so hard to pick a favorite! But some I’ve especially enjoyed include Succession, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Severance, and Puribus.
IKON or Epic?
As a new Coloradan, I’m limited to where others have taken me, so I would have to say Epic. I hope this isn’t a controversial question!
What is your favorite video game?
Recently, I’m a huge fan of Baldur’s Gate 3. Some others I’ve loved include Witcher 3, Skyrim, and Disco Elysium
Do you play an instrument?
I played clarinet in high school, and I have vague plans to pick it back up.
What is your favorite type of food?
I enjoy all sorts of food, but Thai is probably my favorite
What is your favorite sports team?
Sorry to all the sports fans out there, but I simply cannot get into sports outside of the Olympics!
Where are you from?
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and more recently lived in Cleveland, OH for over 10 years.
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