Alina Kao, Ph.D.

I am a clinical psychologist and member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ). I have expertise in treating sexual dysfunctions, couple and relationship concerns, reproductive health issues, anxiety, depression, stress management, self-esteem, as well as difficulties associated with medical conditions and chronic pain. I offer assessment and therapy services to adults, couples, romantic and sexual partners, as well as to individuals experiencing difficulties within professional relationships. In addition, I provide clinical supervision to graduate students and professionals. I was Co-Director of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Sex and Couple Therapy Service and have previously been affiliated with the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Service, and the Schizophrenia Tertiary Service, at the Allan Memorial Institute. I completed my doctoral degree in the McGill University Laboratory for the Biopsychosocial Study of Sexuality, where my dissertation focused on pain during intercourse in postmenopausal women. I have also been involved in numerous studies examining female and male sexual functioning and dyspareunia across the life cycle. My therapeutic orientation is integrative and evidence-based. I draw from several approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Humanistic Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapy, to tailor individualized treatment to the needs of each individual or couple. I view therapy as a collaborative relationship and an interactive process aimed at reducing suffering while improving insight, functioning, quality of life, personal growth, and a sense of
meaning. Above all, I value providing effective, personalized, warm, nonjudgmental, and genuinely supportive treatment.

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Areas of Expertise

• Sexual dysfunctions 

• Sexual difficulties related to medical and mental health conditions

• Couple and relationship issues

• Affairs

• Reproductive health issues

• Coping with chronic illness and pain

• Anxiety disorders, panic, and phobias

• Depression and burnout

• Stress management

• Emotional regulation

• Interpersonal difficulties, social skills, conflict management, and communication

• Self-esteem and assertiveness

• Personal growth and development

• Difficult life transitions

 

Professional Affiliations

Ordre des Psychologues du Québec (OPQ)

 

Main Publications

Peer-Reviewed Publications:

Kao, A, Binik, Y.M., Amsel, R., Funaro, D., Leroux, N., & Khalifé, S. (2012). Biopsychosocial predictors of postmenopausal dyspareunia: The role of steroid hormones, vulvovaginal atrophy, cognitive-emotional factors, and dyadic adjustment. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9, 2066-2076.

 

Kao, A., Binik, Y.M., Amsel, R., Funaro, D., Leroux, N., & Khalifé, S. (2012). Challenging atrophied perspectives on postmenopausal dyspareunia: A systematic description and synthesis of clinical pain characteristics. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 38, 128-150.

 

Kao, A., Binik, Y.M., Kapuscinski, A., & Khalifé, S. (2008). Dyspareunia in postmenopausal women: A critical review. Pain Research & Management, 13, 243-254

 

Book Chapters:

Farmer, M.A., Kao, A., & Binik, Y.M. (2009). Management of vaginismus and dyspareunia. In: Balon R & Segraves RT (eds.). Clinical Manual of Sexual Disorders. American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

 

Kao, A., Lahaie, M.-A., & Binik, Y.M. (2006). Sexual pain disorders. In: J.E. Fisher & W. O’Donohue.(eds.). Practitioner’s Guide to Evidence Based Psychotherapy. Kluvier Academic Publications.

 

Pukall, C.F., Payne, K.A., Kao, A., Khalifé, S., & Binik, Y.M. (2005). Dyspareunia. In: Balon R & Segraves RT (eds.). Handbook of Sexual Dysfunction. New York: Taylor & Francis.