Dr. MARGARET CHAO, Ph.D.
Clinical Care
Depression and Anxiety are the two most commonly experienced psychological symptoms, and they often present together. Although experiencing occasional sadness and anxiety is natural and healthy part of human existence, these symptoms can reach distressing levels, and impact one’s ability to function. This is when clinical intervention and care is warranted.
Dr. Chao can help with:
Symptom relief and symptom reduction
Ability to function in day to day social roles.
Ability to function in activities of daily living
Lowering overall distress levels
Episodic and Chronic Depression
Situationally based and chronic Anxiety
Loss and Grief
Social Anxiety
Panic Attacks
Depression and Anxiety
Trauma Recovery
I cannot imagine a psychotherapist that is not passionate about treating trauma— my speciality is offering a more holistic approach in treating “Complex Trauma” or “Developmental Trauma”, otherwise known as trauma that originates from childhood. There is now an established knowledge base of how early adverse childhood experiences impact our emotional and physical wellbeing as adults. I believe trauma recovery needs to be wholistic, integrating physical wellness, behavioral interventions, and cognitive trauma processing.
Under the umbrella of Trauma Recovery, I also treat challenges that arise from Anxious Attachment, or more broadly, Insecure Attachment.
Dr. Chao can help with:
Adjustment to Life Threatening Illness
Adjustment and management of a chronic illness
Adjustment to disability
Preparing for surgery and invasive treatment
Engagement with rehabilitation
Caregiver support and end of life planning
Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
As a trained Health Psychologist, I commonly work with expecting mothers, or new mothers. I also support individuals who are contemplating starting a family, those facing challenges in becoming pregnant, are undergoing IVF or are struggling with mood and physical symptoms associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, bonding challenges, and early stages of parenthood.
Dr. Chao can help with the following:
Preparing for pregnancy
Coping with stressors related to becoming pregnant, including IVF
Depression and anxiety symptoms related to peripartum and postpartum period
Support with breastfeeding, sleep training,
Adjustment to physical and psychological changes associated with pregnancy
Relationship Distress
Relational conflict and distress is common and yet can be challenging to overcome. Many symptoms of depression and anxiety can result from relational discord, whether it be friendship or romantic partnership. Therapy can be incredibly powerful in healing emotional injuries caused by conflict, insecurity about one’s relationship or partner, and finding healthier ways to address disagreements and resolve conflict.
Dr. Chao can help with the following:
Learn healthy, Non-violent Communication
Identify boundaries, boundary building and maintaining boundaries
Navigating relational changes
Healing from relational injuries, including a painful breakup.
Healing from Insecure Attachment, including Anxious Attachment and Avoidant Attachment
Contemplation of divorce or separation
Low self esteem caused by relationships
Sexual dysfunction
Initiating Romantic Relationships and Dating Support
Initiating Friendship and Social Network development