Expertise

Health psychology focuses on how our biology, social context and psychological states may influence health and illness. The conventional approach in medicine often views the mind and body as separate entities. However, we now know from research that the mind and body are closely connected via neurochemistry, mostly referred to as "brain chemistry". This means that changes in physical health can influence mental and emotional health, and the reserve can also be true. Here are examples based on current research: 

• Inflammation is a risk factor for a variety of age-related diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease). The relationship between stress and inflammation is bidirectional: Depression increases inflammation [1]- When people feel stress or depressed, they often stop exercise and eat poorly, which could increase inflammation. Conversely, Inflammation contributes to the growth of depression. In addition, social isolation and loneliness could be linked with inflammation [2].

• Stress can dysregulate immune system [3]. Relationship and interpersonal issues are a common type of stress for patients. 

• Stress can impede wound healing, and this may be particularly relevant for patients recovering from surgeries [4].

By examining how biopsychosocial factors influence each other, we can explore what motivates you to embrace health promotion and illness prevention and develop ways (e.g., meditation, cognitive and behavioral skills) to promote mind-body connection, which in turn can improve your overall health and prevent illness [5]. 

When we learn a new skill, it rewires our brain by creating new connections between neurons. This phenomenon is called neuroplasticity. For example, because of neuroplasticity, learning new pain coping skills can help change the parts of the brain that is responsible for processing pain signals [6]. When these changes occur in the brain, patients' pain symptoms and their confidence for managing pain are improved. 

I am interested in working with young adult and adult clients with the following challenges: 

Health promotion and disease prevention. Unhelpful habits that could put one's health at risk often appear in the following areas: 

• • Exercise, diet, and sleep.

  • Work/life balance.

  • Social media and news consumption; electronic device usage.

  • Coping skills for managing muscle tension and stress.

Chronic pain management. Factors that may influence one's experience with pain and one's ability to live a good life with pain:

• • Pain-related frustration, irritability, anger, hopelessness, depression, and anxiety.

  • Loss of abilities and associated grief.

  • Sleep disturbance. 

  • Parenting and other relationship concerns.

  • Work-related stress and burnout and how they exacerbate pain. 

  • Unique challenges that come with having chronic pain in younger years. 

  • LGBTQ+ concerns (e.g., gender identity) and how they may affect stress and pain. 

Psychological adjustment to serious and chronic health concerns. I am especially interested in helping clients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and adjustment difficulties to a new medical diagnosis. Relevant issues include: 

• • Stress stemming from navigating a complex (and often cumbersome) healthcare system and managing medications.

  • Worry that something is seriously wrong with one's body.

  • Become more aware of one's mortality.

  • Feel like a burden for loved ones.

  • Want to process one's reactions- shocked, confusion, sadness, and anger ("Why me?"). 

Substance abuse and dependence. I am particularly interested in helping clients with problems with drinking, tobacco use, and cannabis use. Relevant issues include: 

• Use substance(s) to cope with stress and reduce tension. 

• Use substance(s) to escape uncomfortable thoughts and emotions.

• Relationship problems.

I have ample experience in working with young adult and adults clients to address the following concerns:

• Anxiety disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, panic attack, etc. 

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

• Insomnia: Difficulties with falling or staying asleep.

• Trauma- and stress-related Disorders: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorders. 

• Sadness and depressed mood.

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. 

• Asian and Asian American mental health.

1. Jaremka LM, Lindgren ME, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. Synergistic relationships among stress, depression, and troubled relationships: insights from psychoneuroimmunology. Depress Anxiety. 2013;30(4):288-296. doi:10.1002/da.22078 

2. Smith KJ, Gavey S, RIddell NE, Kontari P, Victor C. The association between loneliness, social isolation and inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2020;112:519-541. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.002 

3. Morey JN, Boggero IA, Scott AB, Segerstrom SC. Current Directions in Stress and Human Immune Function. Curr Opin Psychol. 2015;5:13-17. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.03.007 

4. Gouin JP, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. The impact of psychological stress on wound healing: methods and mechanisms. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2011;31(1):81-93. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2010.09.010 

5. Moraes LJ, Miranda MB, Loures LF, Mainieri AG, Mármora CHC. A systematic review of psychoneuroimmunology-based interventions. Psychol Health Med. 2018;23(6):635-652. doi:10.1080/13548506.2017.1417607 

6. Shpaner M, Kelly C, Lieberman G, et al. Unlearning chronic pain: A randomized controlled trial to investigate changes in intrinsic brain connectivity following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Neuroimage Clin. 2014;5:365-376. Published 2014 Jul 23. doi:10.1016/j.nicl.2014.07.008