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Trauma-informed
LGBTQIA+ affirming
Asian
Therapist for Millennial
Individuals and Couples 

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Chao Zhao is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist based in L.A., California. If you are looking for someone with a creative mind and compassionate heart, you are at the right place! Psychotherapy sessions with Chao can feel like cooking with a seasoned mind without the same old cookbook, adding a dash of peppery humor and sweet tears here and there; hit the spot! With Chao's creative, inclusive art therapy approach, each session goes by fast!

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Art Therapy is offered in Arcadia, online therapy throughout California

My Letter to You

No one grew up in a perfect family! However, it's fortunate that I found my inner strengths from reading and exploring my culture and identity. I grew up in a Chinese family protected by independent women who are resilient and wise who cherished gender equality and broke free from a society that was impacted by misogyny. I have gained resiliency and an innovative mind!

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On the path following my family's dreams to be a good person with a decent, stable job, I realized that to live a fulfilled life, I needed to get in touch with my inner desire and figure out my "way of being," I hit the reset button and broke free again! I have gained self-compassion and have given myself the permission to live authentically!

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When I needed support but had no one to talk to, I submerged myself in psychology books, magazines, and art-making. I have gained a full set of coping skills!

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When I found out that working in a system doesn't serve me as a whole person, I broke free again! It's not just any type of easy quitting but there was so much liberation came along! I have thought through it and had a bunch of philosophical support to back my decision up. I have gained real courage after a series of vulnerabilities!​

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Then I broke free from traditional thinking or gender roles: I started a career transition at the age people would say to a lady that you have a family to prioritize and pursue your second career, which sounds crazy! However, I did it anyway, and my family still loves me!

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All the above, felt like bragging? No. It's another perspective to look at our lives, to get us unstuck, and to break free from whatever the toxicity, limitations, or "ism(s)," to feel alive and hopeful, and I believe you will get there, too.

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Here I am with a master's degree, years of training, and a lot of break-free experiences; I can be your support in the ebb and flows of life.

 

I am glad you found me!​

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--Chao Zhao, LMFT, ATR

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