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Helen Chao

Helen Chao

BIPOC Identifying

LCSW

Gender Identity: female

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Short Biography

Hello there - my name is Helen, and I offer evidence-based treatment for individual & couples online and in-person near Piedmont Ave, Oakland.

Therapy Philosophy

My work is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and grounded in psychodynamic theory training, relational group work, and liberation psychology practice.

Special Training & Certifications

I am highly skilled in working with high acuity conditions (borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideation, self-harm, complex PTSD, etc).

Clinical Focus / Specialties

Generalized anxiety Trauma Neurodivergent Challenges Dissociative Disorders Anxiety Social anxiety Phobias Obsessive thoughts Compulsive behaviors (OCD) Depression Persistent sadness or low motivation Mood swings Bipolar disorder Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) Complex trauma (C-PTSD) Childhood abuse or neglect Sexual trauma Domestic or intimate partner violence Relationship conflict Communication difficulties Premarital counseling Infidelity recovery Divorce or separation Family conflict Low self-esteem Self-criticism Perfectionism People-pleasing Assertiveness difficulties Identity exploration Stress & Life Adjustment Chronic stress Burnout Work-related stress Academic stress Major life transitions Relocation or adjustment difficulties Grief & Loss Death of a loved one Relationship loss Complicated grief Substance Use & Addictive Behaviors Recovery and relapse prevention Behavioral addictions Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Anger management Impulsivity Self-harming behaviors Suicidal thoughts (non-emergency support) Difficulty regulating emotions Sleep & Health-Related Concerns Insomnia Sleep disturbances ADHD Executive functioning difficulties Sexuality & Gender-Related Concerns Feeling stuck Emotional numbness Loss of meaning or direction Personal growth “Not feeling like myself”

Therapist Methodology

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Exposure-Based Therapy Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Attachment-Based Therapy Relational Therapy Trauma-Informed Therapy Brainspotting Mindfulness-Based Therapy Gottman Method Transformative Couples Therapy

Core Values

Social Justice & Equity Values
Anti-racist Liberation-oriented Feminist-informed Queer- and trans-affirming Body liberation / fat-positive Disability justice-informed Racial equity-focused Culturally responsive Class-conscious / economic justice Environmental justice / eco-aware Immigrant and refugee-affirming Anti-oppressive practice Community care-oriented Intersectional awareness Decolonial / decolonizing approach Accessibility-centered
Identity, Community & Belonging Values
LGBTQIA+ affirming Gender-expansive aware BIPOC-affirming Neurodiversity-affirming Fat liberation-oriented Faith-affirming / spiritually inclusive Secular-affirming Interfaith respectful Family-diverse (poly / ENM / chosen family-affirming) Centering marginalized voices Multicultural sensitivity Community resilience-focused Cultural identity exploration Affirming mixed-race / multiracial experiences Affirming intersectional identities
Relational & Healing Philosophy Values
Trauma-informed Strengths-based Client-centered Collaborative Compassion-focused Empowerment-based Nonjudgmental Authentic and transparent Boundaried compassion Humor and humanity Radical acceptance Centering safety and trust Relational and attachment-oriented Emotions as information Empowerment through connection Dignity and respect Transparency and repair Acceptance and commitment Co-created healing relationship
Mind & Body Spirit & Holistic Healing Values
Somatic / body-based awareness Mindfulness-oriented Rest as resistance Pleasure and joy as healing Spiritual but not religious Connection between personal and systemic healing Soul-centered / transpersonal lens Embodied empowerment Self-compassion and stillness
Practice Ethics & Professional Integrity Values
Equity over perfection Accountability and integrity Client autonomy Cultural humility over competence Informed consent emphasis Ethical activism Transparency in process Professional collaboration Centering client dignity Ongoing education commitment Non-hierarchical relationship Anti-carceral and anti-pathologizing lens Restorative justice-informed Accessibility as ethical practice Therapist as co-learner

Book a Session

Book Online Now Visit Website ➔

Practice Information

  • Experience: 6 years
  • Availability: Online & In Person
  • Languages: English, Mandarin
  • Session Cost: $175 – $250
  • Accepts Insurance: No
  • Populations Served: 18+,Parents,Young Adults,BIPOC clients,LGBTQIA+ clients,Couples,Families,Immigrant and First Generation

Credentials

  • License:
    License verification pending or self-certified

Office & Contact Info

  • Phone:
    4125899633
  • Email:
  • Physical Location(s):
    📍 Oakland , California
    25 Monte Vista
    United States