Alina Kao, Ph.D.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec. My doctoral degree was completed within the McGill University Laboratory for The Biopsychosocial Study of Sexuality, and the topic of my dissertation was pain during intercourse in postmenopausal women. I have also been involved in numerous studies regarding female and male sexual functioning and dyspareunia throughout the life cycle.

 

I am currently co-director of the McGill University Health Center (MUHC) Sex and Couple Therapy Service, and have formerly been affiliated with the Schizophrenia Tertiary Service and the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Service of the Allan Memorial Institute.

 

My therapy orientation is integrative and evidence-based. I draw from several approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy, systemic therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy to tailor an individualized treatment to meet the needs of each individual or couple. I view therapy as a collaborative relationship and an interactive process aimed at reducing suffering as well as improving functioning, quality of life, and meaningfulness. Above all, I value providing effective, personalized, warm, and genuinely supportive treatment.

​

Interventions

I offer assessment and therapy services to adult individuals and couples to address:

• Sexual dysfunctions 

• Sexual difficulties related to medical and mental health conditions

• Couple problems

• Affairs

• Coping with chronic illness and pain

• Anxiety disorders, panic, and phobias

• Depression and burn-out

• Stress management

• Social skills and interpersonal difficulties

• 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.