Hi, I'm Dr. Ma.

If you're facing the challenges of a new medical diagnosis or dealing with a chronic health issue, you're not alone. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted during such times. My passion is helping adults like you navigate these challenges and improve your overall quality of life.

 

I use proven strategies to tackle emotional distress that often comes with health challenges. Whether it's managing pain, improving sleep, or dealing with fatigue, I'm here to help you find effective solutions. Together, we'll work towards a life filled with meaning, purpose, and vitality.

 

A bit about my background: I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Louisville, and I completed my pre-doctoral internship at the Indiana University School of Medicine and my post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin. I have extensive experience working with individuals facing acute or chronic medical concerns, ranging from neurocognitive disorders, strokes, traumatic injuries, burns, end-stage organ diseases, cancer, and sleep/wake disorders. 

 

My approach is all about empowering you to handle your thoughts and emotions in a skillful way, so you can lead a life that aligns with your values. I draw from mindfulness- and acceptance-based therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Self-compassion is a big part of my work, too. 

 

I'm also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain, and treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

 

As a health psychologist, I understand the mind-body connection and can provide you with practical skills to manage both physical symptoms and emotional distress. No matter your age or stage of life, I'm here to support you on your unique journey.

 

Collaboration is key in our work together. I tailor treatment to your specific needs, goals, and strengths. Building a collaborative relationship with you is important to me, and I strive to create a safe and welcoming space for change. I'm also committed to making therapy inclusive and accessible for clients with disabilities and culturally sensitive to issues of diversity and identity.

 

Outside of my work, I call Madison, WI, my home base. I'm credentialed through PSYPACT to provide telehealth services in 39+ participating states (please see list of states here). When I'm not working, I love spending time outdoors, playing with my energetic 2-year-old Border Collie mix, diving into a good book, refining my cooking skills, and spending quality time with loved ones.

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Peer-Reviewed Publications:

 

Levinson, C. A., Sala, M. Murray, S., Ma, J., Rodebaugh, T. L., & Lenze, E. C. (2019). Diagnostic, clinical, and personality correlates of food anxiety during a food exposure in patients diagnosed with an eating disorder. Eating and Weight Disorders, 24(6), 1079-1088.  

 

Wu, L., Farquhar, J., Ma, J., & Vidyarthi, A. R. (2018). Understanding Singaporean medical students’ stress and coping. Singapore Medical Journal, 59(4), 172-176.

 

Sung, S. C., Ma, J., Earnest, A., Rush, A. J., Lim, L. E. C., & Ong, M. E. H. (2018). Screening for panic-related anxiety in emergency department patients with cardiopulmonary complaints: A comparison of two self-report instruments. Psychiatry Research, 263, 7-14.

 

Levinson, C. A., Brosof, L. C., Ma, J., Fewell, L., & Lenze, E. J. (2017). Fear of food prospectively predicts drive for thinness in an eating disorder sample recently discharged from intensive treatment. Eating Behaviors, 27, 45-51.