Dr. Polly Chawla
About Polly Chawla, Ph.D.
Choosing to embark on a therapeutic journey is no minor step. It demands a mix of emotions, time, and finance. More than anything, however, it requires courage. When someone musters the strength to seek help, it's not merely for the sake of talking. They are looking for a professional who is fully invested in their wellbeing.
My commitment to my clients is to be genuine, to be present, and to actively listen. To understand and validate their complete journey. There is no greater honor for me than to accompany them through their struggles, changes, healing, and transformation. To be there and “hold” the space for their journey is the essence of my work.
I deeply believe in the inherent potential every individual possesses to effect positive change in their lives. My mission is to equip them with the skills and tools necessary to realize that change.
Training & Qualifications
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist and completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from New Delhi in 2011. As a clinician with diverse experience that spans nearly twenty years, I began my career by working internationally in Africa and Asia and finally settling in North America. My career has led to bridging my familiarity with diverse cultures and developing sustainable skills in cross-cultural competence, which required me to work well in an increasingly diverse world.
I am a certified EMDR therapist and I use a number of therapeutic modalities to provide therapy to veterans, first responders, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community with a broad range of mental health issues. I also have specialized training and experience with psychotic spectrum disorders, borderline personality disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and motor vehicle and workplace accidents.
My approach includes Dialectic Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Still, the heart of my work is a belief that everybody has the ability to live a happy life.
Service Language
I offer therapeutic services in multiple languages, including:
- English
- Hindi
- Urdu
- Punjabi
- Bengali
Types of Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
- EMDR
- Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Trauma Focused
Client Focus
- Adults
- Individual
- Veterans
- First Responders
- Immigrants / Refugees
“It’s okay not to be okay”, “Knowing your limitations is your strength” - Polly
Areas of Interest & Specialty
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Identity Issues
- Grief and Loss
- PTSD / Trauma
- Relationship issues (Individuals)
- Psychotic spectrum disorders
- Borderline personality disorder
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Motor vehicle and workplace accidents