Better together: A professional counselor from A Cup of Coffee leads a group therapy session. Photo provided to Shanghai Star

So far, Chen has been bought about 400 cups of coffee by people aged from 16 to 60 years old.

"I think most people need the guidance and help of a professional counselor. We have to adjust our attitude to communicate with them instead of just seeing them as doctors," says Jiang Xiaowen who bought Chen a cup of coffee in exchange for counseling.

Applicants have to submit an online form in which they detail their problems. The form is reviewed by Chen's volunteers before being approved to receive counseling.

Chen and the other counselors are more like listeners, asking questions which will help the person reach her/her own answer.

"It is a way to learn how professional counseling can be relevant to our life and also an opportunity for me to learn more about myself," says Yanzi, who did a counseling session once in 2013.

Compared to a professional counseling session she had taken previously, Yanzi found drinking a cup of coffee with the counselor more relaxed and comfortable.

Chen has organized some other activities for participants that cost no more than a cup of coffee.

For people who don't want to talk with counselors one on one, group counseling led by a professional counselor is also available.

Chen also welcomes single people to attend so they can meet new friends in social events.

"The event also offers a social platform for people to share feelings and make friends," Chen says.

Chen and his team hold regular reading activities for counselors to read and learn together, in order to achieve growth in professional skills.

"We aim to help ourselves and gain happiness by helping others, which also allows us to learn how to get along with others better in a professional position," Chen says.