Trauma and Resilience
by Poling Chan MSW, LCSW
Trauma is often referred to a highly stressful event that leaves a mark in one's psyche. In everyday language, we may call it the "unfinished business" that aggravates a stress reaction which is often physiological in nature. read more

Don't Forget to Hug the Mom - Understanding Post-partum Depression
by Poling Chan MSW, LCSW
Have you wondered about how it's like to smell the fresh breath of a baby? What is your fantasy for being mother of a newborn? For some, the idyllic picture of mother and child as portrayed by Mary Cassat may surface. While she is surrounded by bouquets and congratulations, a new mother can feel utterly lonely and overwhelmed. Indeed a mother may suffer quietly a depression that follows her childbirth. read more

Managing Stress - One breath at a time
by Poling Chan MSW, LCSW
Quite often we hear people lamenting, "This is driving me crazy!" When stress is beyond what we can cope with, it feels like we are driven to insanity and our bodies experience the "wear and tear" from a long battle. On the other hand, stress can bring excitement to life. Deadlines and competitions often "get our adrenaline going" and help us perform our best. While stress can debilitate us, it can also compel us in new actions and awareness. Depending on how we respond to it, stress can enrich or hinder our lives. read more