Beyond the Couch

Embracing the Mess: Reflecting on Season 3

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In the season three finale, Sam, Diana and Christie reflect on the revamped structure and behind-the-scenes experience of producing this season. They share standout moments, express gratitude for the incredible guests, and discuss the central theme that arose over the season: embracing the messy, questioning, and uncomfortable moments that create the process of growth.

Bridges Mental Health connects Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian Americans (APISA) with culturally responsive mental health professionals and resources. We hope to make mental health care more accessible and approachable across the Asian diaspora.
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Finding Your Ikigai: A Healing Journey with Anna Li

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Anna, the visionary behind Healing Journey Retreats, who shares her powerful mental health journey and the transformative steps she took to reclaim her sense of purpose. Anna opens up about her experience being laid off from a high-stress tech job, struggling with toxic workplace environments, and feeling disconnected from her true calling. As a Chinese Canadian, she also touches on the pressure of security, the scarcity mindset, and how she took a leap of faith to prioritize her mental well-being. Anna discusses how travel exposed her to alternative ways of living and entrepreneurship, igniting her passion for creating retreats focused on mental wellness. From navigating stigma around mental health to opening up conversations with her parents about her struggles, Anna offers heartfelt advice and creative tips for others looking to do the same.

Introducing Anna (she/her), the passionate visionary behind Healing Journey Retreats. With a decade of experience in the tech industry, she knows firsthand the pressures and challenges that can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Her own journey of mental health recovery led her to a transformative path. Seeking solace in travel, Airbnb hosting, therapy, yoga, and art, these became her steadfast companions through the ups and downs of life. It was a three-month sojourn in the tropical paradise of Tulum, Mexico, that acted as a powerful catalyst. The sun, the ocean, the vibrant culture, and the enriching experiences there breathed new life into her body and mind, significantly shortening her battle with depression.

This transformative experience prompted Anna to channel her personal healing journey into a 7-night retreat experience, envisioned to guide others toward healing and self-discovery, just as it had for her. Her mission is to provide a safe space for individuals to rejuvenate, find inner balance, and discover the transformative power of mindfulness and neuroscience. Connect with Anna on Instagram @healingjourneyretreats and anna@thehealingjourneyretreats.com

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Returning to Korea and Rethinking Career Paths as a Korean-Born Adoptee with Kim

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie reconnects with Kim who courageously recounts her trip back to Korea. As a Korean-born adoptee, Kim opens up about the challenges she faced—from unrealistic expectations and language barriers to the emotional rollercoaster of navigating an international adoption agency. They dive deep into themes of heartbreak, anger, and healing, discussing the complex realities of Korean adoptee experiences as well as the impact of saviorism and religion. Kim reflects on how the trip reshaped her friendships, her career in mental health, and her sense of identity, as well as offers tips for those who may be considering a similar trip or their own.

Listen to our first episode with Kim “Therapists in Therapy with Kim” on Apple / Spotify.

Kim (she/her) is a licensed social worker, who identifies as Korean American. She provides psychotherapy in non-profit and private practice settings to encourage and help others find their voice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link (G.O.A.’L.)

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Letting Go of Certainty: Making Career Changes with Will Wang

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

To kick off this month’s theme of career and work, this week Diana chats with Will Wang about giving himself permission to leave his corporate career in pursuit of becoming a therapist. Will reflects upon always being the ‘good kid’ or guāi, and how these expectations shaped his identity and career choices. He opens up about the pivotal moments that sparked his interest in therapy, and encouragement he received from mentors along the way. Together they delve into the mental blocks he faced, including fears around sharing the decision with his parents as their eldest child. Will discusses the liberating yet terrifying process of applying to graduate programs as well as learning to let go of certainty as he pursues a new path.

Will Wang (he/him) is a 2nd-generation Taiwanese-Korean-American, and aspiring therapist. He currently works in global public health focused on epidemic preparedness and response and is in the process of a big career change. His hope is to serve as a healer for populations across the diaspora. Connect with Will at wangwill84@gmail.com

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Understanding Religious Trauma and Deconstructing Faith with Eugene Lee

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie is joined by Eugene Lee in exploring the complex intersection of faith, culture, and mental health within the Asian American community. They discuss the role of the church as a cultural community center for Asian Americans and immigrants, as well as the interplay of Asian American culture, Confucian ideals, and perfectionism. Eugene shares his personal evolution from being a young pastor and now a therapist, offering insights into how religious and spiritual trauma, purity culture, and black-and-white thinking impact mental health. Finally, we explore how Eugene helps clients deconstruct their beliefs, revisit their relationship with faith, and honor their unique spiritual paths.

Eugene Lee (he/him) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, residing in New York City. Connect with Eugene via email at eugene@counselingwitheugene.com or his website www.counselingwitheugene.com

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Exploring the Stars: Two Conversations with Astrologers Gwen Yi and Alice Sparkly Kat

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this two-part episode, Diana delves into the fascinating world of astrology with two practitioners, Gwen Yi and Alice Sparkly Kat.

In part 1, Diana chats with Gwen Yi, who explores the myths and misconceptions surrounding Western astrology, especially in her home country of Malaysia. Gwen shares what it's like to receive a reading with her, emphasizing the sacred space she creates for her clients. She shares insights into the deeper levels of astrology, archetypes, the true meaning of “Mercury in retrograde,” and how astrology can be a powerful tool for mental health and self-acceptance. Discover the differences between Western and Eastern astrology and learn how to work with your fundamental nature, rather than trying to change it.

In part 2 (~32:37), Diana is joined by Alice Sparkly Kat, who broadens our understanding of astrology by integrating traditional and modern techniques from various cultural perspectives, including a unique Chinese form of astrology. Alice explores the intersections of astrology, mental health, and personality theory, offering astrology as a tool for play, exploration, and deconstructing symbols. They also discuss queer astrology and the differences between working with an astrologer and a therapist. Plus, get tips on how to prepare for an astrology reading and dive into the rich philosophical traditions that astrology offers across different cultures.

Gwen Yi (she/her) is a writer, coach and astrologer based in Malaysia. She graduated from Debra Silverman’s applied astrology school and currently serves clients globally from her humble Zoom office as @TheAsianAstrologer. In a previous life, Gwen was an award winning entrepreneur and empathy trainer, servicing clients like the Obama Foundation and giving TED talks. These days, she spends her days looking up at the stars and talking about them. Connect with Gwen on Instagram @TheAsianAstrologer, Substack: The Asian Astrologer, and theasianastrologer.com

Alice Sparkly Kat (they/them) is an astrologer. Their goal is to practice astrology by reconstructing history, interpreting the present, and nurturing the future. They are the author of Postcolonial Astrology, a book that serves as a history of astrology from a post-colonial perspective which is intersectional, inclusive, and geared towards queer and POC communities. Connect with Alice on Instagram @alicesparklykat and alicesparklykat.com.

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Navigating Religion and Culture as a Muslim Therapist with Bisma Anwar

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Bisma Anwar, a Muslim therapist who shares her journey in the mental health field and her dedication to reducing mental health stigma within the Muslim community. Bisma discusses how her dual identities as a Muslim and therapist influence her work with a diverse range of clients. She explores the intersection of religious teachings and South Asian cultural traditions, and highlights the importance of differentiating between cultural practices and religious beliefs. Bisma also delves into helping families navigate intergenerational challenges, communication, boundaries, and the balance between individual autonomy and family expectations. Lastly, Bisma provides valuable insights for non-Muslim therapists working with Muslim clients and offers guidance for Muslim clients seeking the right therapist.

Bisma Anwar (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has been a mental health therapist for over a decade. Her work experiences have been in hospitals, non-profits, mental health clinics, and digital mental health startups. Throughout her career she has worked with community based organizations, spoken at panels, done workshops and webinars to provide education and awareness of various mental health issues. Bisma is also the co-founder of Moxie Living, a forum that organizes wellness retreats for women. Their upcoming retreat is in October and will take place in Paris. For more details please go to their website. Connect with Bisma on her website and Instagram @therappuccino

Resources for connecting with Muslim therapists:

Keywords: Muslim Therapist, Faith and Mental Health, Cultural Identity, South Asian Traditions, Religious Abuse, Family Dynamics, Spiritual Well-being, Therapy Stigma, Intergenerational Patterns.

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Developing Spirituality for Therapists with Nat Strafaci

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam is joined by Nat Strafaci, a licensed therapist, clinical supervisor, psychic medium, and spiritual herbalist, who shares their perspective on spirituality as a journey rather than a therapy ‘modality’. Nat offers insights into how colonialism has disrupted connections to spiritual and indigenous practices, and together they discuss how many modern therapeutic approaches are deeply rooted in spiritual traditions. Nat discusses the transformative power of connecting to one’s ancestral lineage, and how the body serves as a place of connection with ancestors. Together, Nat and Sam share their experiences of developing a spiritual lens as therapists, and how learning their own family history has deepened their connection with themselves and their ancestors, enriching their work as therapists.

Nat Strafaci (they/them) is a licensed therapist, clinical supervisor, psychic medium, and spiritual herbalist living and working on Lenape and Yokuts land. Their private practice, Sunshadow Healing, centers the healing of Queer and Trans People of Color at the intersection of spirituality and mental health. They are also currently facilitating Intuition Immersive: A 12 Week Course for Intuitive Development, Practice, and Process. Connect with Nat on Instagram @sunshadowhealing

Applications for enrollment into the Fall 2024 cohort of Intuition Immersive are opening this week. This 12-week immersive serves as a container to explore, practice, and process what living a more intuitive life can look and feel like. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit https://www.sunshadowhealing.com/workshops-events

Mentioned in this episode:

It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn

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Missed Connections and Longing in Wong Kar-wai's Chungking Express

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam, Diana, and Christie delve into Wong Kar-wai’s Chungking Express to close out this month’s theme of bodies and the media. They discuss the movie's portrayal of longing, pining, and missed connections amidst the bustling backdrop of 1990s Hong Kong. They explore the film's representations of indirect communication, cultural identity, and the loneliness and nostalgia that permeate its narrative.

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Diving into Dreams & Multiple Realities in Satoshi Kon’s Paprika

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam, Diana, and Christie, explore the fascinating world of Satoshi Kon’s Paprika, aligning with the July theme of exploring bodies and the media. Discover why Paprika is a favorite of Sam’s as she shares her own experiences with the movie and offers insight into the significance of Kon’s work in Asian cinema. They explore the themes of dreams and Jungian psychology, parts work, multiple realities and subjectivities, as well as how some scenes reminded them of EMDR. Stay tuned for next week’s episode when we’ll discuss Wong Kar-wai's Chungking Express.

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Unlearning Diet Culture and Reconnecting with Cultural Heritage with Laura Iu

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie sits down with Laura Iu to explore the complexities of diet culture and thin privilege, particularly within Asian American communities. They discuss navigating messages from two cultures, unlearning harmful Eurocentric beauty standards, and reconnecting with ideas of beauty from one's cultural heritage. Together they discuss their own relationships with makeup and appearance, as well as how food is discussed among their families. Additionally, Laura shares how she works alongside her patients in exploring body dysmorphia, desirability, talking to elders about food, and inviting curiosity into one’s relationship with food and body.

Laura Iu (she/her), R.D., is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified intuitive eating counselor, and yoga guide in New York City. She is the owner of Laura Iu Nutrition, a weight inclusive private practice, that offers counseling to help people ditch the diet and nourish a positive relationship with their mind, body and food. Connect with Laura on Instagram @laura.iu

Mentioned in this episode:

Intuitive Eating
Kimmie Singh, RD
Sonya Renee Taylor
What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon

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K-Pop, The Power of Fandoms & Global Celebrity with Stephanie Choi

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam sits down with ethnomusicologist Stephanie Choi to explore the multifaceted world of K-pop. Stephanie shares what prompted her shift from studying traditional Korean music to K-pop, examining it both as performance art and as a cultural phenomenon with global impact. They discuss the industrial system behind K-pop, the linguistic and physical proximity that fosters closeness between idols and fans, and the significant influence of fandoms in shaping the industry. The conversation also touches on deeper themes such as the impact of colonialism, Hollywood stereotypes, and the varied implications for Asian American versus South Korean celebrities. Additionally, they analyze how BTS broke into the US market, the selling and purchasing of intimacy within fandoms, and the differences between K-pop fan interactions and conventional parasocial relationships.

Stephanie Jiyun [Jee-yon] Choi (she/her) is a postdoctoral researcher at the Asia Research Institute at the University at Buffalo. She is working on her K-pop ethnography which focuses on cultural globalization, gender and labor politics, and the affective economy of K-pop. Stephanie has interviewed more than 70 people in the K-pop world, from idol singers to industry workers, and most importantly, fans. Connect with Stephanie at schoi43@buffalo.edu

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Body Image & The Stories We Tell Ourselves with Steph Ng

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana sits down with mental health advocate Steph Ng to explore the complex world of body image. Steph shares her personal journey with disordered eating and discusses body image as a story we tell ourselves. Steph emphasizes the importance of feeling at home in our bodies and cultivating curiosity rather than criticism from a young age. Drawing from her work with young people, Steph highlights how early body narratives form and the impact of cultural and societal messages on identity. Throughout the episode, Diana and Steph address common body image myths and discuss how media messages contribute to pressures to conform to beauty standards. Steph offers insights into fostering a positive self-image and navigating these challenges with compassion.

Steph Ng (she/her) is a mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and Ph.D. researcher whose work aims to foster caring conversations on body image and mental health issues. She is the founder of Body Banter, a registered charity in Hong Kong that empowers youth voices in body image conversations, and the author of “Big Bites Break Boundaries”, a new book that recounts her personal experiences with an eating disorder and her professional experiences in Hong Kong’s mental health landscape.

Connect with Steph:

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Queer Relating & Healing with Bokyung Kim

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie is joined by Bokyung Kim who shares their personal experiences of queering the healing journey. They reflect upon how early love injuries and unmet needs evolved into beliefs about disconnection and belonging, as well as patterns of sex and love addiction. Through her own story of healing and connection with queerness, Bokyung discusses the transformative power of being in connection with oneself and the practice of meeting different parts of ourselves with curiosity and compassion. Together, they discuss queering her relationship with her best friend, working alongside queer trans Asian clients in healing trauma, as well as questioning narratives about marriage, being alone, and death.

Bokyung Kim (they/she), LCSW, is an experiential, decolonial therapist who integrates somatics, brain change science, and ancestral wisdom to help clients transform their trauma & unlock true belonging with themselves and others. Connect with Bokyung on her website or on Instagram @thequeertraumatherapist

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Exploring Neurodiversity, Gender & Identity in Adulthood with Kim Konopka

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana sits down with Kim Konopka who delves into the interplay of identity in relation to queerness, neurodivergence, and being a transracial adoptee. Kim shares their journey of self-discovery and the profound impact of learning about their autism in adulthood, offering reflection upon their experiences of masking, wanting to blend in, and the fear of abandonment. They explore the nuanced themes of safety, disclosure, forced intimacy, and the delicate balance of what gets shared, planted, or buried. Kim discusses the impact of the model minority myth on their mental health, as well as their life-changing experience in therapy which provided them the permission to take up more space and explore their identity safely. Together they discuss the privilege and access involved in formal assessments, as well as the importance of self-identification and trusting people to know themselves.

Kim (they/them) is a psychotherapist in private practice. They often work with neurodivergent QTBIPOC and transracial adoptees. Kim aims to be a compassionate collaborator who shows up with curiosity and care. They are known for their playfulness, emotive expression and moments of quiet reflection.

Connect with Kim:

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Queering Identity Work Through Pleasure & Storytelling with Veronica Chin Hing-Michaluk

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie is joined by Veronica Chin Hing-Michaluk who brings in their own lived experience to illustrate a compassionate exploration of queer identity, shame, and healing from disconnection. Veronica discusses how they work in collaboration with clients to restore connection, understand intergenerational patterns, identify systems of oppression, and create space for collective healing. Veronica helps us explore the transformative potential of play and pleasure amidst pain and oppression, highlighting how laughter and solidarity are crucial for survival. Our conversation touches on the financial aspects of the therapeutic relationship, decolonizing thought and therapy practices, feeling "queer enough", and modern dating.

From Veronica (they/them): Some fixed aspects of Self include grounding in a Black Indigenous Puerto Rican Chinese-Jamaican upbringing with a diverse ancestral plane; reconnecting to BIPOC, queer identity in young adulthood; connecting more deeply to nonbinary indigenous identity in adulthood; and reflecting anti-oppressive healing frameworks in my own communities to help dismantle the stats on mental health outcomes. I’ve practiced as a fully-licensed NYS mental health counselor since 2019, and will be celebrating 5 years running my private practice, VNC Therapy New York, in the Fall.

Connect with Veronica:

www.vnctherapy.com
vnctherapy@gmail.com
My Intimacy card deck is available a resource for anyone wanting freebies: www.vnctherapy.com/intimacy

Mentioned in this episode:

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Queer Identity Across Cultures with Sil Chen

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Sil Chen about exploring queer identity across cultures. Sil shares her personal journey growing up in Taiwan and the cultural adjustments she faced after immigrating to the U.S. She opens up about what shifted her from a career in biotechnology to social work, and how her family reacted. Diana and Sil delve into cultural norms and expectations around queerness and coming out between Taiwan and the U.S. They also discuss how beauty standards, public displays of affection like hand-holding, and dating—especially for Asian men—differ between these two cultures.

Sil Si-Wei Chen (she/her), MA, LCSW-R, is a non-binary, queer Taiwanese psychotherapist and emotional wellness coach offering teletherapy in New York and coaching services worldwide. A certified Gestalt therapist integrating Internal Family Systems and Buddhist Psychology in her practice, Sil specializes in working with creatives and engineers in the Asian-American and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as with queer and interracial couples. Connect with Sil at silchentherapy.com

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“Asian American” Identity Development

Wed, 29 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week as AANHPI Heritage Month comes to a close, Christie and Sam reflect upon their conversations with guests this month around biracial, South Asian, and Pacific Islander identity. They ground their reflections referencing racial identity development models sharing their own reactions to the frameworks, as well as considering the history of the “Asian American” political identity.

Mentioned in this episode:

Asian American Identity Development Model (Jean Kim, 1981)
Biracial Identity Development (W. S. Carlos Poston, 1990)
1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed* on HBO

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Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Identity with Cathay Che

Wed, 22 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with returning guest Cathay Che about her personal experience navigating the complexities of being both Asian American and Native Hawaiian. Cathay recounts her childhood move to Hawaii, highlighting the cultural shock, melancholy, and sense of alienation she experienced. They discuss cultural messages about giving back to one’s community, cultivating reciprocal relationships, shedding light on the complexities within contemporary Hawaiian culture that stem from a history of colonization and immigration. Together, they discuss misconceptions and the lack of representation faced by Hawaii and Pacific Islanders in the broader U.S. context. Drawing from her background as a former travel writer, Cathay shares her insights from exploring other Pacific islands like Rapa Nui, encouraging listeners to approach their travels with curiosity and intentionality.

Cathay Che is a Japanese American and Native Hawaiian LCSW, with a virtual Private Practice treating clients in New York, California and Rhode Island. She earned her MSW from Columbia University in 2013 and was part of the clinical treatment team at The Hazelden Betty Ford outpatient clinic in New York City from 2012-2020. Connect with Cathay on Zencare

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South Asian Identity, Caste & Religion with Anjali Jacob

Wed, 15 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this week’s exploration of identity, Sam is joined by dear friend and fellow therapist Anjali Jacob, LMHC, who shares her own journey of investigating South Asian identity, belonging, and the search for answers in the face of disconnection. Anjali shares her personal reflections on navigating the complexities of caste, religion, the colonial legacy embedded in last names, and the profound sense of isolation when experiencing something that feels unnameable. Together they offer ways to tune into your own questions and curiosity, to reflect upon larger cultural forces with a social justice lens, and seek connection as an antidote to isolation.

Anjali Jacob (she/her) is a licensed mental health counselor practicing in the greater New York area. She specializes in c-ptsd and trauma-informed approaches, working specifically with BIPOC 1.5 and 2nd immigrants. Connect with Anjali at info@anjalijtherapy.com or anjalijtherapy.com

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Exploring Biracial Identity with Youngmi Mayer

Wed, 08 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam is joined by comedian and author Youngmi Mayer to discuss their unique experiences being biracial. While Youngmi grew up in Korea and Saipan and Sam was raised in the U.S., the two connect over memories of being othered both within and outside of their respective families, and delve into how their lives reflect larger forces of immigration, culture and privilege. Youngmi shares how her identity work influenced the writing of her upcoming memoir, "I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying," as well as her mom’s response to including raw details about her childhood and the healing effect of humor.

Youngmi Mayer (she/they) is a standup comedian, content creator and author living in NYC with her son, Mino.

Instagram @ymmayer
TikTok @youngmimayer
Listen to Hairy Butthole Podcast
Pre-order I’m Laughing Because I’m Crying

Thank you to Embrace Change for sponsoring this episode!

Saying No free resource: https://www.embracechange.nyc/saying-no-beyond-the-couch
Embrace Change website: https://embracechange.nyc/
Don’t Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color: https://www.embracechange.nyc/book
Embrace Change Coaching: https://www.embracechange.nyc/career-coaching-programs
Follow Embrace Change on social media:
https://instagram.com/embracechangenyc/
https://linkedin.com/in/embracechangenyc/
https://www.youtube.com/embracechangenyc
https://tiktok.com/@embracechangenyc

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Season 3 Premiere

Wed, 01 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Season 3 of Beyond the Couch! We're back with a fresh look and a revamped structure. Join us as we dive deep into a new theme each month. With May being both Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re starting off with the theme of identity. This week, Sam, Diana and Christie catch up on how transitions and travel during the break have allowed for their own exploration, and discuss what’s to come this season. Tune in every Wednesday as we explore identity, queerness, body, spirituality, and career with new and returning guests.

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The Power of Family Secrets with Heawon Hake

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Content warning: family abuse, sexual abuse, self-harm

This week, Christie, Sam, and Diana get together to reflect on the past year, and share which of the 104(!) podcast episodes they have recorded were some of their favorites. Then, Sam speaks with Heawon Hake about how family secrets can affect and damage a family. Heawon describes the difference between good and bad secrets, which types of secrets must be disclosed, and the types of ego defenses that result from a festering family secret.

Heawon Hake (she/her), LCSW-R, ASAC, is a Korean American psychotherapist with 34 years of experience across clinical, community and nonprofit work. Her newly published memoir, Daughter of Korean Freud, is a heartbreaking and raw account of how her work as a counselor resurfaced childhood wounds and allowed her to connect with freedom and healing in the process.

Connect with Heawon:

Mentioned in this episode:

Christie’s highlighted episodes:
- Intergenerational Trauma & Internal Family Systems with Natalie Hung (Apple / Spotify)
- Ancestral Healing Work with Chi Young Kim (Apple / Spotify)
- Racialization and Reconnecting with Ancestors with Natalie Hung (Apple / Spotify)
Sam’s highlighted episode:
- ADHD & Partnerships with Suzanne Eng (Apple / Spotify)
Diana’s highlighted episodes:
- People-Pleasing and Codependency (Apple / Spotify)
- The Drama Triangle (Apple / Spotify)
- Stepping Out of the Drama Triangle (

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Perfectionism & The Model Minority Myth with Dr. Matt Poon

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

This week, Diana chats with Dr. Matt Poon about growing up with Asian parents, the pitfalls of perfectionism, and how we can expand our mindset to live a fuller and more balanced life. Dr. Poon shares how he helps clients slow down, reflect, and move away from binary thinking, and how talking openly about struggles or perfectionism can help us all feel supported and less alone.

Dr. Matt Poon (he/him) is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing virtually in NYC. His practice specializes in working with high-performing professionals who struggle with perfectionism, work-life balance, and relationship issues.

Connect with Matt:

Website: www.drmattpoon.com
Instagram: @drmattpoon

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for OCD with Dr. Yun Chen

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie is joined by NYC-based clinical psychologist, Dr. Yun Chen, to discuss what it’s like to have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help mitigate the pain that might come with living with OCD. They explore the ways in which the tenets of ACT can help people live fuller lives through learning to address and cope with negative thought patterns, as well as accept and make the best of their situation. Christie and Dr. Chen also discuss some steps for quieting an especially powerful intrusive thought and how ACT can be applicable or resonant with the Asian population.

Connect with Dr. Yun Chen:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Financial Scarcity Among Children of Immigrants with Pallavi Ankolekar

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

This week, Diana (@therapywithdiana) sits down with Pallavi Ankolekar (@healingwithpallavi) to talk about how growing up as a child of immigrants can the ways we navigate our finances. They discuss how generational differences in attitudes towards work and rest also translate into how we use money for bare necessities vs pleasure. They also talk about the guilt that can arise from using money on ourselves, and how a scarcity mindset often prevents folks with immigrant backgrounds from taking career-related risks or the space and time to slow down.

Pallavi Ankolekar (she/her), LCSW, is a 1.5 generation South Asian therapist currently living in DC but licensed to practice in NY and NJ. She specializes in trauma and incorporate many different modalities including EMDR through an overall relational lens.

Connect with Pallavi:

Mentioned in this episode:

Ramit Sethi's How to Get Rich on Netflix

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Grad School Diaries with Minji Part 2

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

This week, Sam is rejoined by Minji (our very own Bridges intern) for the second installment of the Grad School Diaries mini-series. Minji shares updates from her second and final year of her program, what it’s been like to see clients for the first time, and the joys and challenges of practicing therapy in the real world. She also opens up about personal lessons she’s learned from being on the other side of the room as the therapist.

After nearly a decade in the creative industry, Minji (she/her) is currently a counseling psychology student at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles. She is especially interested in working with Asian, Asian diasporic/immigrant individuals, couples, and families, as well those navigating interracial relationships or other cultural challenges. She loves chatting about all things mental health, career-changing, and dogs (bonus points if poodles), so don’t hesitate to connect with Minji at mkim108@gmail.com.

Mentioned in the episode:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Tuning Into the Wisdom of East Asian Medicine with Jiaming Ju

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie sits down with Jiaming Ju to chat about the value and deep wisdom of traditional east Asian medicine. Jiaming shares how she went from her long career as a longevity economist to joining the work of her father at Kun Health. They talk about eastern medicine’s individualized approach to every person, the shortcomings of western views on health and food, and how traditional medicine can become more accessible to younger generations. They also discuss what it means to “eat your feelings, how mental stress shows up as physical ailments, and the power of reclaiming one’s culture while living in western society.

Jiaming Ju is the co-founder of Kun Health, a virtual Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic, which she runs alongside her father Ying Ju. Jiaming grew up watching her father work in his TCM clinic in north-eastern China where the smell of herbs drifted through the air. After building a career leading the world’s largest data collection on senior adults from New York to Singapore, Jiaming enrolled in one of the only dual lingual TCM graduate schools in North America. Connect with Jiaming @kunhealth

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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People Pleasing & Healthy Masculinity with Samuel Shin

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam reunites with Samuel Shin to chat about how people-pleasing shows up specifically for Asian men, and the importance of men tending to old wounds and connecting to their inner worlds. Samuel discusses his methods and techniques for helping Asian men heal, get in touch with their authentic selves, and regain their agency. He shares his thoughts on how masculinity and toxic masculinity have become conflated in the discourse of today, and how he aims to help redefine and reclaim what it means to have healthy masculinity.

Samuel (he/him) is a licensed therapist, certified men’s coach and 2nd generation Korean-American. His education & training was in humanistic-existential, psychodynamic and transpersonal psychologies. However, he left the therapy field in 2018 to become a transformational coach where he has been focusing his work on Asian mental health specifically with Asian men. Samuel works 1:1 with Asian men in his coaching practice, but also runs Asian men’s groups and will be running the first-ever Asian men’s retreat in early 2024! Connect with Samuel @thehealingasian

Mentioned in this episode:

Iron John: A Book About Men by Robert Bly
King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine by Robert Moore & Douglas Gillette

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Being Together: Relational Psychoanalysis with Jonathan Blazon Yee

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie talks with Jonathan Blazon Yee, LCSW, about how his work as a psychoanalyst was first inspired by an experience of feeling deeply seen in therapy. Jonathan shares how contemporary psychoanalysis tunes into the relational worlds between client and therapist, and allows one to explore the question of “Who am I?” Together, they explore the importance of addressing differences between oneself and others especially as Asian therapists working with Asian American clients.

Jonathan Blazon Yee (he/him), LCSW, is a relational psychoanalyst who works collaboratively with clients to help them understand the thought patterns, belief systems, and expectations that influence how they move through the world. He completed psychoanalytic training at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies, where he currently serves on the faculty. Connect with Jonathan on Bridges.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Asian American Center for Psychoanalysis

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Addiction in the AAPI Community with Cathay Che

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam chats with Cathay Che, LCSW, about how addiction impacts and shows up in the AAPI community. They discuss misconceptions about substance use and addiction, and how stigma and shame impact the way addiction is perceived within the AAPI population. They dive into the various ways addiction impacts the family network and how addiction can be addressed in both conventional and creative, novel ways.

Cathay Che is a Japanese American and Native Hawaiian LCSW, with a virtual Private Practice treating clients in New York, California and Rhode Island. She earned her MSW from Columbia University in 2013 and was part of the clinical treatment team at The Hazelden Betty Ford outpatient clinic in New York City from 2012 -2020. Connect with Cathay on Zencare.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Paternity Mental Health & New Fatherhood with Clarice Hassan

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie is back with Clarice Hassan to continue their conversation about new parenthood in the AAPI community, this time focusing on fathers and paternal mental health. They talk about the different challenges that new fathers face as they try to balance their new roles with the expectations of traditional masculinity from previous generations. They explore the different ways AAPI fathers might express affection, and they discuss the relative lack of support and community for new fathers when they do have questions about infant care and how to best tend to their spouse postpartum.

Clarice Hassan (she/her), LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in California and New York, running both a private practice and a growing group practice, Phronetic Psychotherapy LCSW PC. She identifies as Asian and has focused on maternity and paternity mental health, as well as parenthood transitions, especially in the past few years since becoming a parent herself. Connect with Clarice: https://www.onlinetherapyny.org/

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Maternity Mental Health Across Cultures with Clarice Hassan

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie sits down with Clarice Hassan to discuss mental health within the context of new motherhood. Clarice shares how her own personal experiences of becoming a mother informed her passion to focus her work on maternity mental health. They delve into the challenges of balancing one’s aspirations and desires with the demands of this new, life-changing role. They also talk about navigating the differences in parenting values from those of the previous generation and how empowering it can be to learn, unlearn, remake, and discover new personal values along the way.

Clarice Hassan (she/her), LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in California and New York, running both a private practice and a growing group practice, Phronetic Psychotherapy LCSW PC. She identifies as Asian and has focused on maternity and paternity mental health, as well as parenthood transitions, especially in the past few years since becoming a parent herself. Connect with Clarice: https://www.onlinetherapyny.org/

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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ADHD & Partnerships with Suzanne Eng

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Suzanne Eng about being in partnership with someone with ADHD. They talk about the challenges and strengths that ADHD brings to the relationship, as well as the various misconceptions surrounding the diagnosis. Suzanne shares her own experiences with a spouse with ADHD, and she offers ways to help others have greater empathy, better understand, and resolve conflicts more effectively with one another in order to thrive as a couple living with ADHD.

Suzanne Eng (she/her) is a wife, mother, daughter, therapist and friend. Brought up in Chicago and then moving to New York has taught her about the challenge of not just living but enjoying who she is despite difficult circumstances and to always be grateful.

Connect with Suzanne:

Mentioned in this episode:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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When the Goal Is To Make Less Money

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Diana and Sam catch up on what they’ve been up to as they enter into the fall season. They reminisce about the feelings they used to get as they started a new school year, and Christie and Diana share what they’ve been realizing through their language classes. They all discuss their evolving relationships to work and productivity, and the importance of having a sense of purpose and personal definition of success.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Uncovering Unconscious Patterns through Psychoanalysis with Priscilla Chin

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana sits down with Priscilla Chin to talk about psychoanalysis, its misconceptions, and the differences between psychoanalysis and other modalities. They discuss the various techniques and interventions that are used in analysis; how it can help explore our internal worlds, past, and unconscious thoughts; and how it can empower people of color to take control of their own narratives.

Priscilla Chin, LCSW (she/her) is a therapist, psychoanalyst, and a group practice owner for a culturally responsive online therapy practice in New York, New Jersey, and DC. Learn more about Priscilla at imagineemotionalwellness.com or @imagineemotionalwellness

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Am I The A-Hole?

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Diana, and Sam share their views on the moral and ethical questions posed in a couple therapy-related posts from Reddit’s “Am I the A*hole” thread. They discuss one person’s dilemma about sharing details from his therapy session to his concerned mother, and another case in which the poster is concerned about the changes he is noticing in his partner after she begins seeing a therapist.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Money as Energy, A Holistic Approach to Wealth with Lynn Min

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana is back with Lynn Min to talk about money and how our finances shape so much of our identity, sense of freedom, and, ultimately, our ability to return to our true selves. They discuss their relationships to money and the ways in which they’ve crafted their money stories throughout their lives.

Lynn Min (she/her), LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor, a certified life coach, a pastor, and a mom of three. Connect with Lynn at lynnmin.com or @soulmattersllc

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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How We Relate to Languages

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Sam, and Diana talk about their relationships to each of their ancestral languages and the grief they feel from not being as fluent as they’d like. Christie and Diana share what they’ve been learning through their respective language classes and explore what it means to be connected (or not) to a culture through language. Sam reflects on her recent trip to Japan and what it meant to be able to have even some simple conversations, as well as how she’s navigated her biracial identity throughout her life.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature by Steven Pinker

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Parenting & Growing Up Between Cultures with Nita Batta & Tiffany Momoko Kindred

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie is rejoined by Nita Batta and Tiffany Momoko Kindred to discuss what it’s like for children to try to make sense of their identity, grow up between multiple cultures, and balance individual and others’ needs. They also talk about redefining familial relationships and how to retain a sense of self and leading with curiosity as a parent.

Nita Batta, LMSW | The pull lies in the strength of the familiar; the push is an urge to create space and jump into the unfamiliar. As an individual who was raised between two cultures, I offer a warm and safe space to discuss cultural competency as it relates to your life. Connect with Nita at nita@agoodplacetherapy.com

Tiffany Momoko Kindred, LMSW | Being biracial and bicultural, I understand the complexities of holding multiple identities. I walk alongside individuals and couples to help them explore and gain an understanding of how their past has led them to their present, and how they want to move from the present into a happier, more fulfilling future. Connect with Tiffany at tiffany@agoodplacetherapy.com

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Mid-Summer Teaser

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Diana and Sam drop in to say hi and tease upcoming episodes for the rest of the year. Tune in to hear what themes we’ll be discussing with both new and returning guests!

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Living Bravely with Nicole Cruz

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Nicole Cruz about changing careers and listening to yourself in order to live bravely and pursue your biggest goals. They talk about how to overcome your fears and move away from fear as a motivator. They also dive into how to differentiate your own beliefs from others’ and confront your inner critic with compassion.

Nicole (she/her) is a certified life and leadership coach and the CEO of Nicole Cruz Coaching, the first coaching company to cater specifically to the needs of the 1st & 2nd generation immigrant community. Through a culturally-aware and trauma-informed approach, Nicole helps folks with immigrant roots to become powerful leaders by helping them unlearn inherited generational limits, embrace their complex identities, and unleash their natural strengths.

Connect with Nicole:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with Toni Kim

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400

From Toni Kim (she/her): My practice embodies a holistic and integrative approach that incorporates wisdom from the world of neuroscience, as well as, more esoteric and intuitive traditions. I believe that the process of healing and the subsequent result of personal growth and transformation is a sacred and courageous journey that I feel honored to be co-facilitating and co-creating through Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) experiences. I hope to offer a loving presence and a compassionate container to allow connection to the inner wisdom that lies within all of us.

Connect with Toni:

Mentioned in this episode:

Journey Clinical

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Navigating Change & Uncertainty with Dr. I-Ching Grace Hung

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana reunites with Dr. I-Ching Grace Hung to catch up on how Dr. Hung’s return to her motherland, Taiwan, has been so far. They talk about cultural perspectives of values, time and productivity, and relationships to family. They also share their personal experiences navigating changes and how their feelings about their identity and attitudes towards embracing uncertainty have shifted as a result.

Dr. I-Ching Grace Hung (she/her) is a licensed psychologist and coach, offering teletherapy to individuals and couples in NY, CA, and MI, and coaching services globally. Grace specializes in helping people find meaning, purpose, identity, and fulfillment through a unique lens of Buddhism + psychology, anchoring on the pursuit of self-awareness, growing deeply and intentionally, all with a dash of candidness in the face of the chaos/hilarity of life. She is currently living out her own version of a fulfilled life, featuring slow travels, remote and flexible work aligned with her purpose.

Connect with Grace on Instagram @thewakingbell and on ZenCare

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Cross Cultural Differences with Catherine Kim (Plus: Therapy vs Coaching)

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Diana, and Sam get together to talk about the differences between therapy and coaching, outlining what each offers and who might benefit from them. For the latter half of the episode (starts at 15:00), Sam sits down with Catherine Kim, LMHC to discuss the challenges of straddling two different cultures as an APISA-identified individual and how to navigate these multiple senses of identity.

Catherine Kim (she/her), LMHC, specializes in supporting individuals who are experiencing cultural conflicts, identity issues, relationship problems, anxiety, and depression. She is especially dedicated to challenging the stigmas that often surround mental health in Asian cultures, with the goal of encouraging more individuals in the AAPI community to prioritize their well-being and pursue a healthier life.

Connect with Catherine:

catherine@whatbringsyouintoday.com
Phone: 646-481-3124

Curious to learn more about coaching? Hear from coaches themselves in our recent episodes:

CBD/Cannabis for Anxiety & Depression with Amy Chin (released 5/31/23)
Challenging Imposter Syndrome with Angela Kerrigan (11/16/22)
Financial Anxiety, Scarcity, & Enoughness with Lindsay Bryan-Podvin (10/26/22)
The Art of Authentic Dating with Samuel Shin (9/28/22)
Taking Asian Women Seriously with Sheena Yap Chan (9/14/22)
Surviving Burnout & Stepping Off the Corporate Ladder with Annalyn Cruz (8/31/22)
Failing My Way Forward and Embracing Career Changes with Cynthia Pong (8/17/22)
How to Succeed as an International Student with Dr. Vivi (1/12/22)

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
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Intergenerational Heaviness, Self-Advocacy & Career Coaching with Steph Kim

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam sits down with Steph Kim to chat about navigating the process of forging a fulfilling career as a person of color. They talk about how imposter syndrome especially impacts women and POC, as well as how the immigrant experience adds an additional layer of challenges in the career journey. They also discuss the importance and difficulties of finding the right balance between self-advocacy and honoring family dynamics and expectations throughout the process.

Steph Kim (she/her/hers) is a 2nd generation Korean American career coach born, and currently, in New York. She is proud to be your notsobossybestie- sharing professional secrets that your boss won’t tell you, dedicated to empowering and equipping young professionals, especially people of color, with the confidence as well as practical skills to pursue their next career step.

For anyone who listens to this podcast and uses the code “BRIDGES” will receive 20% off any service with @NotSoBossyBestie

Connect with Steph:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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A Field Guide to a Career in Mental Health: Post-Grad

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Sam, and Diana get together for their last discussion about pursuing a career in mental health. They talk about post-grad life, what the path looks like after graduation, and their favorite and not-so-favorite parts about their jobs. They address the financial realities of a mental health career, pros and cons of various paths you can take, and how to assess which path might be right for you.

For mental health professionals, recent grads and those new to the field: Join our Clinician Community!

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Holding Space for Both Myself and Family with Tyler Mafi

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Tyler Mafi (@therapywithtyler) about how his transition led to the reshaping of his relationship with his family and, as a result, more open conversations around queerness and mental health. Tyler also shares how empowering his clients to reflect on their senses of self motivated him to more actively engage with his own identity. They also dive into how to balance and hold space for the needs and desires of both oneself and one’s family.

Tyler (he/him) is an NYC-based queer, trans, multicultural therapist committed to providing you a nonjudgmental, brave space to explore your identity, relationships, and sense of purpose.

Connect with Tyler:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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A Field Guide to a Career in Mental Health: Grad School

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam and Diana return to the topic of pursuing a career in mental health and answer some of your questions! They cover the work they did while in graduate school, as well as the timeline and path they took from graduate school to licensure and beyond. They also share their thoughts on their programs and how they made the most of their experience.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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CBD/Cannabis for Anxiety & Depression with Amy Chin

Wed, 31 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam sits down with Amy Chin to discuss the benefits of CBD and/or cannabis for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. They talk about how to incorporate plant medicine into one’s routine as a way to lead a fuller, healthier, and less stressful life. They also explore the nuances of cannabinoid use as it pertains to each person, and the importance of continuing to challenge the stigmas around the use of plant medicine, especially among moms/parents and the Asian community.

As a sufferer of anxiety and postpartum depression, Amy found great relief with CBD and from that moment, led to her passion in normalizing 3 big stigmas in the Asian community: cannabis, mental health and moms consuming the plant.

Connect with Amy:

Mentioned in this episode:

Project CBD

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Stepping Out of The Drama Triangle

Wed, 24 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Sam, and Diana get together to continue their discussion of the drama triangle and how to extricate yourself from it. They go into examples of the different roles (victim, rescuer, and persecutor) as they might appear in a hypothetical immigrant/2nd gen family. They share some tactical solutions that can be reached through non-violent communication, self-reflection and -awareness, and shifting of one’s role within relationships.

Mentioned in this episode:

Drama Triangle example

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A Trauma-Informed Approach to Healthy Relationships with Shelby Remillard

Wed, 17 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie and Shelby Remillard, LMHC, discuss how individuals can mend and build healthy relationships through a closer understanding of their interconnectedness to their communities, their pasts, and themselves. They talk about how folks can process their wounds and learn what feels grounding to them within the safety of the therapeutic space, and how therapists can serve as the first model for healthy relationships so clients can recognize them outside of session. They also discuss dating burnout, emotional regulation, and how to healthily approach the process of grief and loss and the cultivation of relationships with those who have passed.

Shelby (she/her) is an Indigenous and Filipina therapist living and working in private practice in New York City. Within her practice, Shelby supports clients in trauma recovery through EMDR, building and maintaining healthy relationships, and clients experiencing the death loss of a loved one.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
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A Field Guide to a Career in Mental Health

Wed, 10 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie and Diana (@therapywithdiana) share their respective paths to their therapy careers and answer questions they’ve received about how to enter into a mental health career. They go into factors to consider when applying to and choosing programs, what accreditation means for schools, and the many career options there are once you have entered into the world of psychology. They also talk about what they wish they knew before entering grad school.

Mentioned in this episode:

Asian Wander Women

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Compassion Focused Therapy with Nira Shah

Wed, 03 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Nira Shah about what compassion-focused therapy entails and how practicing mindfulness can cultivate self-compassion and better emotional regulation. They discuss the importance of examining one’s emotions, especially those that are uncomfortable, in order to tend to them. They also talk about the struggles with a harsh inner critic that many people undergo and how to begin to quiet that voice and/or rewrite its narrative.

Nira (she/her), LMHC/LPCC, is an individual and couples psychotherapist and yoga instructor, who uses cognitive and holistic approaches. Nira supports folks who are experiencing emotional distress and want to connect with life in a deeper way, to build resilience and fulfillment.

Connect with Nira:

nira@siawellness.com
Instagram @sia.wellness

Mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Kristin Neff: Self-Compassion

APISA Spotlight from Nira:

ABCD Yogi (@abcdyogi) by Tejal Patel

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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The Drama Triangle

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Sam, and Diana get together to continue their conversation on codependency and people-pleasing. They discuss a common dynamic that can happen in families and other relationships, called the “drama triangle,” in which each individual takes on and/or moves through playing a “rescuer,” “victim,” or “persecutor” role. They walk through an example scenario of how this scene can play out and explain what can happen when this triangulation is perpetuated and not quelled at some point.

Mentioned in this episode:

Karpman’s Drama Triangle example

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Racialization and Reconnecting with Ancestors with Natalie Hung

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie is back with Natalie Hung to talk about ancestral healing, how to cultivate a relationship with our ancestors, and how these relationships can help heal us and help us feel a stronger sense of belonging. They dive into the distinction between “well” and “unwell” ancestors, and how ancestral healing fills in some parts of psychology and therapy that are missing. Natalie shares her personal journey to finding ancestral healing, her initial resistance to leaning on her ancestors for help, and how she ultimately was able to mend old wounds with their counsel.

Natalie Hung (she/her) is a second-generation Taiwanese American clinical psychologist who specializes in Asian American racialization, intergenerational trauma, complex PTSD and dissociation, intersections between personal and social identities (i.e. race, gender, sexuality, class, ability status), and grief. She uses Internal Family Systems and decolonizing approaches to help her clients to deeply know and love themselves, resist systems of oppression, and cultivate belonging.

www.nataliehung.com
Natalie’s group: Reclaim Asian American Womanhood

Mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Daniel Foor of Ancestral Medicine

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People-Pleasing & Codependency

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Diana, and Sam get together to talk about the tension between codependence and independence, and how to get closer to a middle ground, interdependence. They go into the challenges of balancing cultural values, personal values, and family values, and offer ways to maintain your own peace, as well as the peace of the family. They also discuss ways that they themselves have gotten closer to carving out their own sense of self amongst external obligations.

Mentioned in this episode:

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Ancestral Healing Work with Chi Young Kim

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie sits down with Chi Young Kim and discusses the importance of becoming reconnected with our ancestors. They talk about ways that we can return to direct engagement with our ancestors and how this connection can strengthen our sense of intuition, and heal in a much deeper way than we might realize.

Chi Young Kim (she/her) is a ritual facilitator dedicated to helping people reclaim relationship with their ancestors, one’s self, and to the larger community of the living Earth toward a deeper sense of purpose and belonging. All her recent ancestors are from Korea and as a Korean American woman, she has learned to bridge multiple cultural realities and identities. Her offerings of ancestral healing, and grief support are grounded, embodied and culturally mindful. She also mentors healing practitioners and therapists by teaching ritual skills that help them deepen their connection to themselves and the other-than-human relations in order to show up more fully for their clients. Connect with Chi Young on her website: www.rememberingvoice.com

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Layoffs, Scarcity & Going Where It’s Warm

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Sam, and Diana get together to discuss the recent wave of layoffs that their clients have been experiencing recently and how they’ve been coping with the various levels of anxiety, confusion, and guilt that come with it. They address the scarcity mindset and fear of losing security that, as children of immigrants, many APISA-identifying folks might have. They also go into how the right community and support system can help assuage the ups and downs of this stressful experience.

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The Existential Search for Identity and Belonging with Dr. Monica Band

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Dr. Monica Band about the existential process of figuring out who we are, our purpose and fulfillment in life, and, ultimately, our sense of belonging. They talk about the introspection it takes to hone in on the self as social beings and be in tune with our emotional worlds, as well as embracing the anxiety, ambiguity, and vulnerability that naturally comes with this search for meaning.

Dr. Monica (she/her) is an award winning licensed mental health professional, advocate and educator. She is the owner of a group mental health practice, based in Washington D.C. and clinical supervisor to pre-licensed professionals. She specializes in providing EMDR and somatic based interventions to support healing of complex-ptsd and dissociation. She provides training to clinicians on how to treat intergenerational trauma and identity concerns for Asian Americans. Connect with Monica at @the.mindful_healer

Monica’s Go-To Resources:

The JED Foundation’s Mental Health Resource Center and JED Voices
The Asian Mental Health Collective’s Lotus Therapy Fund
The Asian Mental Health Project
The AAKOMA Project’s State of Youth Mental Health of Color 2022

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There Are Bros in Asia Too

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam, Christie, and Diana discuss the Korean reality competition show, Physical 100. They muse about body image in Asian culture and what it takes to participate in extreme athleticism. They also reflect on how refreshing it is to see Asian bodies being represented so differently from their usual portrayal in mainstream Asian-American media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Physical 100
Blue Lock
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/physical-100-netflixs-korean-reality-gauntlet-destroys-misconceptions-rcna71639

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Intergenerational Trauma & Internal Family Systems with Natalie Hung

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie chats with Natalie Hung about healing intergenerational trauma and the power of Internal Family Systems to help us embrace our whole selves. They talk about the different parts of us that can take on “protector” roles in order to help us through hardship or trauma, and the ways in which we can honor those “protectors” instead of denying them as we heal. They also delve into the challenges of sifting through our sense of self as Asian-Americans, and how an IFS lens can not only be restorative, but also lead us into connectedness with others and our lineage.

Natalie Hung (she/hers) is a second-generation Taiwanese American clinical psychologist who specializes in Asian American racialization, intergenerational trauma, complex PTSD and dissociation, intersections between personal and social identities (i.e. race, gender, sexuality, class, ability status), and grief. She uses Internal Family Systems and decolonizing approaches to help her clients to deeply know and love themselves, resist systems of oppression, and cultivate belonging.

Connect with Natalie:

www.nataliehung.com
Natalie’s group: Reclaim Asian American Womanhood

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Breathwork & Embodiment with Stephanie Alirkan

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Today, Sam chats with Stephanie Alirkan about how incorporating breathwork into your day-to-day life and therapy can help you move to a place of calm and feel more grounded in your body. They discuss the benefits of breathwork in regulating emotions, decreasing stress, and lowering anxiety, as well as ways to build upon a breathwork practice and making those small changes that can feel more habitual over time.

Stephanie Alirkan (she/her) is a NYC-based Psychotherapist and Trauma-Informed Certified Breathwork Facilitator. In her work, she takes the approach of healing through the natural processes of the body, breath and senses. She’s passionate about sharing accessible tools that allow us to take flight now vs. sometime in the future, among them being breathwork for deeper embodiment.

Stephanie offers breathwork sessions virtually or in-person for anyone wanting to try outside of therapy and will be hosting themed workshops in 2023 (e.g. breathwork for inner child healing, the pleasure of breathwork). Connect with Stephanie through her website or on Instagram @breathbysteph

Mentioned in this episode:

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Grad School Diaries with Minji Part 1

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie chats with Minji (a beloved member of the Bridges team) about her experience starting graduate school to become a therapist. In this first installment of the Grad School Diaries mini-series, Minji reflects upon making the difficult decision to change careers, exploring her identity and connection to Korea in therapy, and what surprised her about her first year in a program.

After nearly a decade in the creative industry, Minji (she/her) is currently a counseling psychology student at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles. She is especially interested in working with Asian, Asian diasporic/immigrant individuals, couples, and families, as well those navigating interracial relationships or other cultural challenges. She loves chatting about all things mental health, career-changing, and dogs (bonus points if poodles), so don’t hesitate to connect with Minji at mkim108@gmail.com.

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Our Therapist Stories

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

This week, Sam, Diana and Christie share their unique stories about becoming therapists. They talk about career changes, the experiences that shaped their paths, as well as both the weird and mundane parts of being therapists in private practice.

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Nonviolent Communication with Marianne Ferguson

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie chats with Marianne Ferguson about the common reasons for communication failures in interpersonal relationships and how techniques of nonviolent communication (NVC) can mitigate these conflicts. Marianne shares her learnings from reading about and listening to seminars by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, the psychologist who developed the process of NVC for resolving conflict. They discuss how ego is often the underlying, persistent barrier to connection, and how important it is to lay down our own assumptions in order to truly listen to the other person and get the needs met of all parties involved.

Marianne Ferguson, LCSW, works with individuals going through life transitions whose struggles include relationship issues, anxiety, depression and trauma. Marianne is particularly interested in how social and cultural factors shape our experiences, especially in regards to race, sexuality, gender, religion and other aspects of feeling different. Connect with Marianne here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Marshall Rosenberg
The Center for Nonviolent Communication

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Exploring Dreamwork & Metaphors with Anjali Menon

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0500

This week, Sam chats with Anjali about how she incorporates dreamwork in her practice and the importance of seeing people as a sum of all of their parts. Anjali dives into how powerful it can be to use dreams and the imagery we recall from them as vehicles for conversation and deeper understanding of oneself and one another. They discuss how, especially in interpersonal relationships, being aware of all of the versions of ourselves can help mitigate conflict or unhealthy cycles. Anjali also shares some of the exercises that she uses to help her clients have a more vibrant relationship to their dreams.

Anjali Menon (she/they), LMSW, is an individual, couples, and family psychotherapist, whose work centers joy, laughter, pleasure, and play. Anjali helps folks navigate life transitions, release patterns that keep them feeling stuck, and build a deep and rewarding sense of self-reflection and compassion. Connect with Anjali at info@therapywithanjali.com

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The Year of the Water Rabbit

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie, Sam, and Diana get together and talk about the meaning behind the Year of the Water Rabbit and how its foretelling of rest, thoughtfulness, and creativity resonates with them. They muse about their own zodiac signs and think back to how each of them celebrated and related to Lunar New Year growing up. Christie shares what she learned from getting her aura read, and Sam recalls the time she pulled the worst luck fortune at a Japanese shrine. They also announce a new way they’ve decided to approach the podcast episodes!

Mentioned in this episode:

Alexander Bragg’s Year of the Rabbit Forecast

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Therapists In Therapy with Kim

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie chats with Kim about the challenges that therapists themselves face when seeking mental health support. They discuss how difficult it can be to take their own advice about self-care and processing their emotions that they give to their clients. Kim shares how working through her own journey as a Korean adoptee has given her the courage to face vulnerabilities, embrace the unknown, and heal old wounds. They also discuss the importance of community when facing personal challenges.

Kim (she/her) is a licensed social worker who identifies as Korean American. She provides psychotherapy in non-profit and private practice settings to encourage and help others find their voice.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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The Practice of Holistic Healing & Wellness with Alena Kwong

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Happy 2023! This week, Diana welcomes back Alena Kwong, LMSW, to discuss different forms of holistic healing and wellness. As a holistic healer herself, Alena shares how her former career as a pastry chef led her down a path toward wellness including reiki, nutritional counseling, and yoga. Together, Alena and Diana discuss the messiness of cultivating a wellness practice and being gentle with yourself through the process. Additionally, Alena gives a peak into her own wellness routines, and offers resources for those interested in deepening their own practices.

Alena Kwong, LMSW, (she/her) is a psychotherapist/licensed social worker with a background in holistic nutrition and wellness. She is also a certified yoga practitioner and Reiki Master. Her approach includes mindfulness and somatic based wellness tools for stress reduction and emotional regulation. Connect with Alena on Instagram @inspiredliving.by.alena or via email at therapywithalena@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Mark Hyman - The Doctor’s Farmacy Podcast
Mayo Clinic Guide to Integrative Medicine
Own Your Self by Kelly Brogan, MD
Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith
Resources for professionals:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Burnout Recovery and Prevention with Dr. Snehal Kumar

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Sam chats with Snehal Kumar about recovery and prevention of burnout, and the ways in which it especially shows up for those in marginalized communities. They talk about how to notice burnout creeping up on you, especially while living in NYC, and the consequences of long-term burnout. They also discuss the importance of challenging our own perceptions of work, seeking community, and learning to listen to your body in order to combat chronic exhaustion.

Snehal Kumar (she/her), a NYS licensed psychologist, offers individual counseling to adults, offers consultation/supervision to other therapists, and leads workshops for organizations. Her specializations include burnout recovery, mindfulness, and diversity-related concerns. Connect with Snehal on her website or via email at snehal@drsnehalkumar.com

Wishing everyone rest and warmth through the holidays. We'll be back with a new episode on January 11th!

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Coming Into Balance Through East Asian Medicine with Melissa Soong

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie chats with Melissa Soong about becoming more attuned to natural patterns to better care for ourselves and our mental health. Melissa shares how eastern medicine, such as acupuncture, can help us explore root causes of maladies and addiction, observe and treat our bodies through a holistic lens, and achieve sustained health and balance in our lifestyles. They also discuss the ways in which the practice of east asian medicine can open the doors to a stronger sense of community and willingness to seek health support, especially for marginalized and at-risk communities.

Melissa (she/her) is a LMSW, with over a decade of experience as a program director and social worker in supportive housing for people with HIV/AIDS, mental health disorders and substance use disorders. She is a Registered Trainer and AcuDetox Specialist for the NADA protocol (ear acupuncture for stress) where she helped to build and provide holistic services in a harm reduction setting. Also, she is a Science of Self yoga teacher and teacher trainer, specializing in the study of applying the meridian anatomy of East Asian Medicine to the physical practice of yoga. Connect with Melissa on her website or on Instagram @mel_durga

Mentioned in this episode:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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How Trauma Impacts Our Relationship with Our Therapist with Chrissie Chua-Ly van Manh

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Sam chats with Chrissy Chua-Ly van Manh about the importance of a therapist’s role in helping clients with trauma overcome the fears and triggers that they have accumulated through their experiences. They discuss the hurdles that therapists face when seeing trauma clients, as well as the particular challenges that a survivor of trauma must overcome in an often non-linear process of recovery. They talk about the importance of trust and rapport between the therapist and client in ensuring positive outcomes, and how to avoid burnout and make sure to fully show up for a client in these crucial sessions.

Chrissie Chua-Ly van Manh, LMHC (she/her), is a 1.5 generation immigrant from Hong Kong and a New Yorker since 2008. She is a licensed mental health counselor and have been practicing for the past 6 years with experience in community based organizations and group private practice with experience working with clients from childhood to late adulthood. Connect with Chrissie online or on Instagram @thelittlethingsny

Mentioned in this episode:

The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACEs)

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Living a Life with More Ease with Dr. I-Ching Grace Hung

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Diana and Dr. I-Ching Grace Hung chat about the integration of Buddhist philosophies into therapy, living in a resting state rather than a grind state, and how to make life work for us in unconventional ways. They talk about what traveling and living abroad have taught them about savoring life and living with more ease, as well as the surprising adjustments that have come up along the way.

Dr. I-Ching Grace Hung (she/her) is a licensed psychologist and coach, offering teletherapy to individuals and couples in NY, CA, and MI, and coaching services globally. Grace specializes in helping people find meaning, purpose, identity, and fulfillment through a unique lens of Buddhism + psychology, anchoring on the pursuit of self-awareness, growing deeply and intentionally, all with a dash of candidness in the face of the chaos/hilarity of life. She is currently living out her own version of a fulfilled life, featuring slow travels, remote and flexible work aligned with her purpose. Connect with Grace on Bridges and Instagram @thewakingbell

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Challenging Imposter Syndrome with Angela Kerrigan

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie sits down with Angela Kerrigan to examine impostor syndrome through the lens of racial identity and chat about ways to challenge these feelings of inadequacy. They discuss how stereotypes and microaggressions keep people of color in cycles of self-doubt by questioning their belonging or imposing unrealistic standards. Angela shares how she worked through her own feelings of impostor syndrome, and how she’s seen the power of community in dissipating these thoughts. They also talk about how rest can be a radical act in challenging our thoughts about productivity, but also the systems of oppression that have seeded our impostor syndrome in the first place.

Angela Kerrigan (she/her) is a therapist in private practice working with clients in NY and TX. She also helps other therapists manage and overcome their own imposter syndrome. Angela loves helping fellow Asian Americans really step into themselves and figure out what it means to live authentically. Connect with Angela at angelalcsw.com or on Instagram @angela.lcsw

Mentioned in this episode:

Blair Imani
Linda Lee
Dr. Valerie Young’s 5 types of Imposter Syndrome
- The Expert
- The Natural Genius
- The Soloist
- The Superhero
- The Perfectionist

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Reflecting Upon 1 Year of Beyond the Couch & Listener Q&A

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie, Sam, and Diana reflect on how far they’ve come since recording their very first podcast episode a year ago! They muse on how quickly time has passed, the amazing people they’ve been able to have on the podcast, and how much they’ve grown and learned in the process. They also answer some questions that have come in from listeners.

Thank you everyone for listening over the past year! We’re so grateful for our building community, and can’t wait to keep the conversations going.

Mentioned in this episode:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Going Beyond the Mind with Psychedelics in Therapy with Lynn Min

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam chats with Lynn Min, LMHC, about the therapeutic use of psychedelics to reach greater self-understanding, self-compassion, and actual healing. They go into what it feels like to come out of psychedelic trips and feel lighter and at peace, and the power of these medicines to rewire your brain to become more receptive to healing. They marvel at the magic of being able to look at your traumas and wounds without being triggered in the aftermath, and what it means to have an ego death. They explore the historical stigmas surrounding spiritual drugs and how people have begun to start accepting them in light of new research about their scientifically-backed benefits, especially in therapy.

Lynn Min, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor, a certified life coach, a pastor, and a mom of three. Connect with Lynn at lynnmin.com or @soulmattersllc

Mentioned in this episode:

How to Change Your Mind
Fantastic Fungi
Listen to our last episode with Lynn: The Inner Work of Social Justice with Lynn Min

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Financial Anxiety, Scarcity, & Enoughness with Lindsay Bryan-Podvin

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Lindsay Bryan-Podvin about the anxieties we have about money and how to cultivate a healthier relationship to our finances. They discuss the mental, cultural, and emotional hurdles that keep many people, especially those who identify as BIPOC or come from immigrant backgrounds, from gaining financial literacy. They talk about how to cultivate a sense of enoughness in the midst of a capitalistic society and how to approach money in a way that aligns with your values. Pointing out that current financial advice so often comes from a place of white privilege and outdated notions of “the American dream,” Lindsay also discusses how decolonizing attitudes towards debt and money can lead to greater empowerment for all.

Follow us on IG for a giveaway of Lindsay’s book, “The Financial Anxiety Solution: A Step-by-Step Workbook to Stop Worrying about Money, Take Control of Your Finances, and Live a Happier Life”!

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin (she/her) is a biracial financial therapist, podcast host, speaker, and author of the book The Financial Anxiety Solution. In her coaching practice, she helps therapists in social justice or of marginalized identities grow their profitable practices from the inside out; so they can stop feeling icky about money, and start setting and sticking to sustainable rates that allow them to grow their businesses in alignment with their values. Connect with Lindsay through her website and Instagram @mindmoneybalance

Mentioned in this episode:

For therapists: Free guide to help you fill your therapy private practice www.mindmoneybalance.com/freeguide
For anyone: Free quiz to learn more about your financial archetype www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Honoring Chinatown’s History & Community with Mott Street Girls

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie sits down with Anna Huang and Chloe Chan of @ mottstreetgirls to talk about the community and vibrancy of New York City’s Chinatown. They chat about how they came to appreciate their identities more through learning more about their culture’s history and how they have come to view education as a way to heal the cycle of collective trauma. The discuss their views on the gentrification of Chinatown, being unexpected small business owners, and how they remain powered and grounded by their passion for the community.

Anna Huang and Chloe Chan are the co-founders of Mott Street Girls. By hosting Chinatown walking tours, creating educational social media content, and partnering with community organizations, MSG strives to preserve Chinatown’s rich cultural heritage, bring business to the neighborhood, and share the stories of our community. Connect with Anna and Chloe on Instagram @mottstreetgirls

Mentioned in this episode:

Uncle Lou Cantonese Restaurant
Artbean Coffee
House of Joy Traditional Chinese Dim Sum
Yu and Me Bookstore
Lanterne Candle Lab
Kitsby Dessert Shop
Check out Sammy’s @sammynycart gallery show (through 12/28/22) with Mott Street Girls at Pearl River Mart to benefit Chinatown businesses that were affected by the pandemic
Listen to the episode with Sammy here

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Lessons from a Professional Career Changer with Asha Aravindakshan

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Asha Aravindakshan about making the power of personal relationships, putting yourself out there, and resisting societal and cultural expectations in making a career change. They talk about the ways in which you can build out your first- and second-degree networks, manage uncertainty and tolerance for risk as you make a career pivot, and tips and strategies for effectively finding a new job. Referring to the phenomenon of the “bamboo ceiling,” they also delve into some of the challenges that prevent APISA-identifying people from achieving certain goals, and the ways in which those challenges can be mitigated.

Asha Aravindakshan (Are-uh-vin-doc-shin; she/her) is the author of Skills: The Common Denominator, which highlights true stories of transferable skills for career success. She’s presented at conferences in the Americas and is the recipient of awards on digital transformation and future of work. Asha studied business at GW and MIT. Connect with Asha on Instagram and Twitter @dcasha

Mentioned in this episode:

The Unspoken Rules: Secrets to Starting Your Career Off Right by Gorick Ng
Stuck: Why Asian Americans Don't Reach the Top of the Corporate Ladder by Margaret Chin

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Growing Up Between Two Cultures with Meghan Nayyar

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Meghan Nayyar about the complexities of navigating cultural gaps, holding multiple identities, and growing up in a culture that’s not their family’s dominant one. They reflect on the challenges that their immigrant parents must have faced in raising children in such foreign environments, and how conversations with them about culture and mental health have evolved over time. As APISA-identifying therapists themselves, Christie and Meghan also talk about the importance of holding space for both the love they have for their families and the desire to work on challenges with them.

Meghan Nayyar (she/her) is a New York-based, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a first-generation American, and the daughter of Indian immigrants. She has a private practice where she conducts virtual therapy with clients who are often BIPOC, immigrants, children of immigrants, and part of the LGBTQ+ community. Connect with Meghan via her website or email at meghannayyarLMHC@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Meghan is facilitating a Therapy Group for South Asian Adults, starting November 2nd, 2022 — reach out if interested!

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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The Art of Authentic Dating with Samuel Shin

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana and Samuel Shin talk about healthy and fulfilling ways to embrace one’s masculinity/femininity, sexuality, self-confidence, and dating. They explore the challenges and hurdles that men, in particular, often face when it comes to dating and relationships, overcoming attachment issues, and connecting with their authentic selves. They also delve into the specific challenges that many Asian-American men confront, such as attuning to their emotions, open communication, and building up the self while existing in a collective culture; as well as the importance of establishing self-confidence to connect genuinely with others.

Samuel (he/him) is a former therapist now working full-time as a men’s transformational coach. His current focus is dating & relationships, helping men heal attachment issues and embody their masculinity to authentically attract women. Connect with Samuel at @consciousdatingcoach and www.authenticdating.coach

Mentioned in this episode:

Dohee Lee

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Cultural Code-Switching

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam, Christie, and Diana get together to chat about code-switching as an Asian-American and how moving between the different spaces of work, home, and social life bring out various aspects of their identity in each situation. They reminisce about flexing between school and home during their childhoods and trying to fit in as kids (shout out to Christie’s Limited Too glitter horse pants!), while observing how much has changed since then. They discuss how tricky it can still be to balance one’s cultural values and professional life, especially in white-dominated workplaces, and the unique challenges of navigating family obligations while living in the US.

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Taking Asian Women Seriously with Sheena Yap Chan

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam chats with Sheen Yap Chan about building up self-confidence as an Asian woman, the importance of supporting one another, and challenging societal expectations of Asian women. They discuss how perfectionism pervades Asian culture and how the pressure to be perfect might hinder achieving one’s goals. As members of the Asian diaspora themselves, Sam and Sheena also discuss the ways in which intergenerational and historical traumas have shaped their own families, and the need to speak up and break the cycle of injustices and taboos in order for their communities to move forward.

Sheena Yap Chan is a keynote speaker, coach, podcaster, consultant, and author on building self-confidence. She currently inspires women through her award-winning podcast called The Tao of Self Confidence where she interviews Asian women about their inner journey to self-confidence. Her mission is to help Asian Women boost their confidence to live their authentic selves, help Asian Women create a voice in the world, and create a stronger representation for Asian women. Sheena has been featured on MindValley, slice.ca, NBC News, Manila Times and more. She is also the TOP 100 Filipinos to follow on LinkedIn for inspiration and learning in 2021. She is also the co-author of the International bestselling book Asian Women Who Boss Up. Learn more about Sheena here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Changing the Face of Mental Health with Caroline Lay

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Caroline Lay about their experiences as Asian-American women, and as Asian-American women therapists. They talk about how growing up with non-strict parents magnified the gratitude and guilt they felt for their family’s sacrifices and shaped the pressure that they placed on themselves. They dive into the challenges of differentiating one’s identity and dreams from those of their family’s in an enmeshed culture. As Asian-identifying therapists, they discuss their journeys in forming their own approaches and opinions without role models that looked like them. They also reflect on how they’ve seen therapy evolve and become more diverse in a white-dominated field.

Caroline Lay (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist located in the Los Angeles Area. She specializes in young adults and professionals, struggles with burnout and career counseling, relationship issues, immigrant issues, women issues, childhood trauma, and anxiety. She is passionate about the Asian American experience, destigmatizing mental health, and changing the face of mental health overall. Her passion project at the moment is expanding her brand Pwrhaus Therapy @pwrhaustherapy, by utilizing social media and becoming more active in the mental health community, she continually works to spread awareness on mental health and destigmatize mental health within the Asian American population.

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Surviving Burnout & Stepping Off the Corporate Ladder with Annalyn Cruz

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Annalyn Cruz about trusting your inner voice and taking the steps to craft a career that truly makes you fulfilled and happy. They talk about how taking the time to recover from burnout motivated Annalyn to take the leap and leave a corporate job to start her business in leadership coaching. They also discuss the importance of soul-searching and trusting yourself to not fail, as well as the challenges of working through familial and cultural expectations.

Annalyn Cruz (she/her) is a Leadership and Empowerment Coach, seasoned facilitator, and storyteller. She is the Founder and CEO of Grounded In Wisdom, LLC, where she empowers women of color to go after the career freedom they long for and the lives they truly crave.

She is passionate about the intersections of one's purpose, cultures, and identities--and how this influences the type of work and psychologically safe team environment we all deserve. Through entrepreneurship and getting clear on her own purpose to empower other women leaders to transform their lives, she is grateful to have discovered her own path to fulfillment. Connect with Annalyn on Instagram, LinkedIn, and at her website

Mentioned in this episode:

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Exploring Personality Frameworks with a Leo, Aquarius & Taurus

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie, Diana, and Sam chat about various frameworks to think about personality types — astrology, enneagram, MBTI, and human design. They chat about their own astrological signs and personality types, and how they relate to them, as well as how these different frameworks shed light on personal characteristics in different ways. They discuss the sense of belonging and self-awareness that comes with identifying with a star sign and how using a framework to describe oneself in a therapy session can serve as helpful shorthand to explain a situation to a therapist.

Thank you all for your patience with our sound as we recorded in Midtown Manhattan!

Mentioned in this episode:

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Failing My Way Forward and Embracing Career Changes with Cynthia Pong

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Cynthia Pong (@embracechangenyc) about how to move forward with a career change, how career coaching has changed over the years, and the importance of trying new things and embracing failure as progress. They also discuss the ways in which we’ve been socialized in western society to prioritize individualist thinking over community or seeking help, as well as how an Asian upbringing might inform one’s approach to career aspirations.

Cynthia Pong (she/her), JD, is an award-winning career coach, speaker, and author of Don't Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color. An NYU-trained lawyer turned career coach, she's on a mission to get women of color the money, power, and respect that they deserve. Connect with Cynthia through her website or on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Although applications for Cynthia’s Embrace Change leadership accelerator have closed for the fall, those who are interested can apply for the 2023 cohort at https://www.embracechange.nyc/leadership-accelerator.

Look out for our giveaway of Cynthia’s book, Don’t Stay in Your Lane, on our Instagram @bridgesmentalhealth

Mentioned in this episode:

Embrace Change Leadership Accelerator
Firsts After Forty podcast hosted by Christina Steed
Old in Art School by Nell Painter
77 year old Indonesian Chef

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How to Talk about Mental Health with Loved Ones with Dr. Yu-Kang Chen

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Yu-Kang Chen, PhD, about the challenges of getting mental health care for loved ones. They discuss how language barriers, technological difficulties with telehealth, and misconceptions around treatment might make older family members hesitate to seek help. While every individual is unique and complicated in their physical and emotional needs, Christie and Yu-Kang explore how to gently guide a family member to seek support, as well as how to be supportive and patient along the way.

Yu-Kang Chen is a licensed psychologist with a private practice focusing on providing individual and couple therapy for Asians/Asian Americans in both English and Mandarin languages. He is also the Clinical Psychologist/Training Director at Hamilton Madison House. Connect with Yu-Kang on Psychology Today or via email at ykcphd@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Hamilton-Madison House
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

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Finding Balance in Ayurveda with Sweta Vikram

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Sweta Vikram about the 5000+ years-long practice of Ayurveda and how to look at mental and physical health in a more holistic, integrated way. They discuss the different types of doshas (a concept of bodily humor), being in tune with the natural course of the seasons and times of the day, and the benefits of working with, not against, our bodies, their needs, and our natural personalities. They discuss how modern-day work culture has caused many to be disconnected with their bodies, as well as examples of ways in which one might rebalance and retune the body-mind connection through complementing western medicine with eastern medicine, and vice versa, for enhanced overall health.

Sweta Srivastava Vikram is an international speaker, best-selling author of 13 books, and Ayurveda and mindset coach who is committed to helping people thrive on their own terms. Her latest book, A Piece of Peace, was released in September 2021. Interviewed by NBC Palm Springs, she was voted as “One of the Most Influential Asians of Our Times” and won the prestigious VOTY Award. She was featured in a documentary with Dr. Deepak Chopra and her work has appeared in New York Times and other publications across nine countries on three continents. Connect with Sweta at swetavikram.com and @swetavikram

Mentioned in this episode:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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How to Embrace Your Attachment Style

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam, Diana & Christie chat about the origin of attachment theory, different attachment styles, and how understanding your personal attachment style can be beneficial to the way you relate to others. Together they discuss how to learn from, embrace and work with your attachment style, and build intimacy instead of shame with others. They also talk about how attachment styles might impact patterns of thinking, behavior, and personalities, and what we can do when differing styles cause friction in relationships. Have you thought about what your attachment style might be?

Mentioned in the episode:

Psychologists John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth’s work on attachment theory
Attached by Amir Levine, M.D. and Rachel S. F. Heller, M.A.

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Discovering Identity & Community as an International Adoptee with Joy Lieberthal Rho

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Joy Lieberthal Rho, LCSW (@iamadoptee) about how adoptees might explore their cultural and racial identity, the key challenges they face in defining a sense of self and family, and how the adoptee community has evolved and found camaraderie with the diasporan AAPI community at large. They chat about how conversations around identity and the adoption process have been able to become more nuanced with greater visibility of the adoptee community and the expanded national consciousness around race. Joy also offers some advice for psychotherapists working with adoptees, as well as her hopes for how the “success” of an adoption may be measured going forward.

Joy Lieberthal Rho, LCSW, (she/her) is a Korean American adoptee woman, a social worker, therapist and mother. Connect with Joy on Instagram/Facebook @iamadoptee or via email at iamadoptee@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Protecting the ‘We’ in Multicultural Partnerships with Nita Batta & Tiffany Momoko Kindred

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie is back with Nita Batta, LMSW, and Tiffany Momoko Kindred, LMSW, to explore complex identities and cultures within romantic partnerships. They discuss navigating multicultural partnerships themselves, and offer guidance on cultivating curiosity, respect and acceptance of each other’s differences. Together, they explore ways to honor the traditions and experience of each partner as well as co-create a new shared identity of ‘we’ in partnership.

Nita Batta, LMSW | The pull lies in the strength of the familiar; the push is an urge to create space and jump into the unfamiliar. As an individual who was raised between two cultures, I offer a warm and safe space to discuss cultural competency as it relates to your life. Connect with Nita at nita@agoodplacetherapy.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Identity Wheel Example
Cultural Inclusion Index
5 Questions Inter-Ethnic Couples Should Ask Before Getting Married Blog
Learn more about Nita and Tiffany and their group practice website A Good Place

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Combating Anti-Asian Hate through Self-Defense & Art with Sammy Yuen

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Sammy Yuen about how he merges his work in the creative and publishing world with his personal passions to help people fight against anti-Asian hate. Sammy shares how he has contributed to his community through his art and self-defense classes, how his relationship to his Asian-American roots and history has evolved, and how he cares for himself throughout all that he juggles. Diana and Sammy also discuss the pleasant surprises that come with seeing how one thing can lead to another, and the significance of community care.

Sammy Yuen (he/him) is an artist, illustrator, designer and self-defense instructor. Who has recently merged his personal and professional life to help fight anti-Asian hate. Connect with Sammy at www.sammyuen.com or @sammynycart

Mentioned in this episode:

Meals for Unity
Mott Street Girls
Yu and Me Books
You Are Not Alone Murals
See Sammy’s gallery show (starting 9/8/22 through December) with Mott Street Girls at Pearl River Mart to benefit Chinatown businesses that were affected by the pandemic

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to any of the 24/7 resources below:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
NYC Well: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Or go to your nearest ER

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How to Identify & Challenge Perfectionism with Dr. Michelle Chung

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam is back with Dr. Michelle Chung to talk about how to identify the two different types of perfectionistic behaviors and begin to challenge them. They chat about how each category of perfectionism can manifest at work, in relationships, and in our inner monologues, getting in the way of healthy ways to approach life. Though it may be challenging, they discuss ways to practice adopting a growth mindset and self-compassion to celebrate the small wins and minimize turning to maladaptive perfectionism to realize success.

A clinical psychologist based in New York City, Dr. Chung specializes in the treatment of anxiety, mood, ADHD and executive functioning disorders. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Biofeedback models, Dr. Chung works with youth, families and adults in her boutique private practice with 5 other associates. She is also on the faculty of the Mt. Sinai Medical Center and runs In Practice with Dr. Michelle Chung (@dr.michellechung), an Instagram online platform of courses and workshops about mental health and emotional well-being. Connect with Dr. Chung at drmichellechung.com and at drmichellechung@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Carol Dweck
Angela Duckworth
No Stupid Questions Podcast

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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The Cultural Roots of Perfectionism with Dr. Michelle Chung

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam chats with Dr. Michelle Chung about how Confucianist roots, collectivist values, and the idea of filial piety prime perfectionist thinking in many Asian cultures. They discuss the paralysis that might come with perfectionism, as well as guilt and shame when perfectionist goals are not met. As Asian-Americans themselves, they also dive into the idea that hard work will lead to success and how it contributes to the Model Minority Myth and the immigrant experience. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where they will discuss how to recognize perfectionism and tips on how to challenge perfectionist beliefs!

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Summer Check In

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam, Diana & Christie are back together chatting about how working on the podcast together has allowed them to work on their practice of moving away from perfectionism and learning to take a break without feeling the need to apologize. They also discuss APISA-centered movies including Fire Island, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Wong Kar-Wai filmography, sharing their thoughts on the renaissance of Asian representation in US American cinema.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Asian Female Entrepreneurship within the Mental Health Field with Nisha Desai & Alice Zhang

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Nisha Desai and Alice Zhang about founding a startup focused on providing culturally responsive mental health care to communities of color. As two Asian-identified female co-founders, they talk about their own struggles with perfectionism, overcoming cultural differences in their communication, and navigating a white male dominated industry, as well as offer advice for other entrepreneurs.

Nisha Desai (she/her) is co-founder of Anise Health and is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health in communities of color. Prior to Anise, Nisha built digital mental health applications for Humana as a Product Manager and spent 5 years in healthcare financial services, investing in behavioral health and innovative care delivery models. Connect with Nisha at nisha@anisehealth.co

Alice Zhang (she/her) is co-founder of Anise Health, a certified health and wellness coach, and she is eager to address the inequality and lack of cultural relevance in mental health interventions through her professional career. Previously, Alice worked across various roles in healthcare including product development at Galileo, a digital primary care startup, investing at Unison Capital, a Japan-focused private equity fund, and management consulting at L.E.K. Consulting. Connect with Alice at alice@anisehealth.co

From Anise: "Anise Health is officially live in California, offering our holistic suite of culturally-responsive digital mental health services (i.e. therapy, coaching, alternative medicine, self-service tools, etc.), for Asian-identifying adults and/or partners (18+). No matter how big or small your concerns are, we encourage you to sign up for Anise by taking 5 minutes to fill out this intake form - we’ll be in touch with next steps within 48 hours!

Also, sign up for our email distribution list on our website so that you can be the first to know about upcoming launches in NY and MA and stay updated on our progress."

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Food as a Love Language with Kevin Chu & Nicole Tang

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Nicole Tang and Kevin Chu about their work with Meals for Unity, a nonprofit uniting communities by working with local chefs, businesses, and volunteers to provide meals to the elderly AAPI community in NYC’s Chinatown. In response to the rise of anti-Asian violence, Nicole and Kevin discuss building relationships with the community, despite language and technological barriers, to overcome food insecurity and poverty levels and express love through food.

Kevin Chu (he/him) is a Southern Texas kid living in the Big Apple trying to break the Asian Model Minority stereotypes on a corporate and community level. Connect with Kevin at kevin@mealsforunity.org

Nicole Tang (she/her) is a tech girly, music enthusiast, world traveler, dog lover, and a marathon runner. When she’s not doing any of the above, she’s raising awareness in the AAPI community as the Director of External Relations and Director of Ecommerce at Meals for Unity. Connect with Nicole at nicole@mealsforunity.org

Mentioned in this episode:

A closer look at a Meals for Unity Meal Distribution Event
Follow Meals For Unity on Instagram @mealsforunity and learn more about volunteering here

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Activism in the Workplace with Brian Pang & Franklin Shen

Wed, 25 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Franklin Shen and Brian Pang about the the power of Asian activism in the workplace. Franklin and Brian share their unique journeys from assimilation to reclaiming their Asian identities to uplifting the greater community. Together, they discuss corporate activism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), as well as the importance of challenging the model minority myth through storytelling, empathy and an abundance mindset. They offer lessons on working against perfectionism and sustainable activism.

Brian Pang serves on the leadership teams of the Asian Leaders Alliance, Stand with Asian Americans, and Ascend, is dedicated to advocating for underrepresented workplace talent, for-justice initiatives, and advancing marginalized communities. Connect with Brian on Instagram @bpanger33

Franklin Shen serves on the leadership team of the Asian Leaders Alliance and the NYC chapter for Stand with Asian Americans. Professionally he is a VP at Tembo Health, a startup focused on helping seniors. Before that, he was at Flatiron Health where he served in the company's inaugural Inclusion Working Group and helped found and lead their Asian employee resource group. Connect with Franklin on Instagram @shensayshen

Mentioned in this episode:

Media:
- Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong
- The Wake Up by Michelle MiJung Kim
- Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
- Brown Girl Therapy Podcast
- Dear Asian Americans Podcast
- Asian Americans Film Series (PBS)
Organizations:

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Lessons from Asian American Activists Michael Liu & Pam Tau Lee

Wed, 18 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with lifelong activists Pam Tau Lee and Michael Liu about their early experiences organizing within Asian communities starting in the '60s & '70s. They discuss the importance of relationships and collective care in their work, and reflect upon the evolution of activism over the decades, and offer wisdom for young organizers today.

Pam Tau Lee is an Asian radical elder whose working-class and San Francisco Chinatown roots led her to a lifelong journey dedicated to environmental justice. She is a cofounder of the Chinese Progressive Association-SF, Bay Area Asians for Nuclear Disarmament, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, Just Transition Alliance, and the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines-US, and a contributor to the Principles of Environmental Justice. In her nearly 5 decades of organizing and mentorship, she strives to uplift an ideology of radical love and resistance grounded in the practice of All Power to the People, Serve the People, internationalism, and women whose presence has taught her to act with generosity and courage. Connect with Pam at ptlee14@gmail.com or on Instagram @pamtaulee4081.

Michael Liu is a native of Boston Chinatown and was active in numerous local anti-development, anti-war and electoral campaigns and a founding member of numerous community social justice groups including the Chinese Progressive Association Boston, Asian American Resource Workshop, and the Boston Rainbow Coalition. He later worked as a researcher for two decades at the Institute for Asian American Studies at UMass, Boston. He co-authored an interpretive history of Asian American organizing, The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism, and recently authored the first book-length history of Boston Chinatown, Forever Struggle. Connect with Michael at michael.liu@umb.edu.

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The Inner Work of Social Justice with Lynn Min

Wed, 11 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Lynn Min, LMHC, about the vulnerability and tension of talking about race and social justice. Lynn shares her background in social justice and how she’s learned to cultivate inner work in pursuit of collective work. Together they discuss learning from our triggers, how energy begets energy, our brains as survival machines, and caring for all of our different selves.

Lynn Min, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor, a certified life coach, a pastor, and a mom of three. Connect with Lynn on Bridges or at lynnmin.com

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Granting Ourselves Permission with Dr. Jenny Wang

Wed, 04 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie and Diana chat with Dr. Jenny Wang about her new book, Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans. Dr. Wang talks about the terrifying yet healing process of writing this book, sharing her own family history, and moving through failure, vulnerability and grief. Together they explore the power of converting silence into vulnerability, healing intergenerational pain, and finding the courage to ask ourselves uncomfortable questions.

Dr. Jenny Wang is a Taiwanese American clinical psychologist, national speaker and author of Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans which is available now! Connect with Dr. Wang at www.jennywangphd.com or via Instagram @asiansformentalhealth

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Emotional Expression, Body Image & Disordered Eating with Dr. Rosa Lim

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Diana chats with Dr. Rosa Lim about disordered eating and relationships with food in the Asian American community. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Lim discusses the connection between eating disorders and cultural messages around bodies, emotional expression, achievement, and intergenerational conflict. Additionally, Dr. Lim maps out various disordered eating symptoms and shares insights about therapy and treatment. Together they explore the pressures of fitting in, western versus Asian beauty standards as well as the dark side of ‘clean eating’.

Rosa Lim, PhD, (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist in NYC who has worked in private practice and in college counseling for the past 20 years. Currently, she is involved with the William Alanson White Institute’s Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions program, as both a member of the steering committee and as guest faculty. Connect with Dr. Lim at rosa.lim@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

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Making A Name for Yourself with Shanni Liang

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam, Diana and Christie chat with Shanni Liang, LCSW, about her name story. Shanni shares how her name evolved through her emigration from China to the U.S., and how she explored different parts of herself by experimenting with her name as an adult. Together, they discuss how we can relate to our name stories with shame and loss and also through play and creativity.

Shanni Liang (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York City. She is a proud Asian American trauma therapist that specializes in EMDR and psychoanalysis which helps adolescents and young woman with life transitions and overcoming anxiety, depression and attachment issues that hold them back in life. Connect with Shanni on her website or via Instagram

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How to Think More Effectively Using CBT with Hui Ting Kok

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Hui Ting Kok, LMHC, about understanding our thoughts, feelings and behavior through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Hui Ting discusses ways to reframe unhelpful thought patterns such as fortune telling, catastrophizing, mind-reading, and jumping to conclusions. Together they discuss the pitfalls of making assumptions and offer tools to communicate with ourselves, our partners and others more effectively.

Hui Ting Kok, LMHC, (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York. Hui Ting grew up in an international setting and speaks several languages fluently, including Mandarin and Cantonese. Connect with Hui Ting at www.huitingkok.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Hui Ting’s 5 Day Journey to Controlling Your Unwanted Emotions
APISA Spotlight: Cassey Ho (@blogilates)

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
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Surviving Burnout within Ourselves & with Others with Dr. Priyanka Upadhyaya

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Dr. Priyanka Upadhyaya about burnout and the effect of chronic stress on our minds, bodies and emotions especially through the pandemic. While illustrating how burnout bleeds into every other part of our lives, Dr. Upadhyaya offers insights on grounding in micro-moments, cultivating equitable partnerships, and setting boundaries with toxic work environments. Additionally, she highlights the importance of nourishing our spiritual selves as well as pursuing happiness through daily acts of purpose and meaning.

Dr. Priyanka Upadhyaya (she/her) is a South Asian psychologist with a passion in helping people navigate the challenges in love and life, transforming them into living their best life and becoming their best selves. She uses evidence-based approaches with life experience and wisdom from mind-body-spiritual practices in her work with individuals and couples. Connect with her online or via email at drpriyanka@thrivewm.net.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Developing Healthy Asian Identity with Dr. Michelle Chung

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam chats with Dr. Michelle Chung about the development of healthy Asian American identity. Together they discuss the subconscious impacts of internalized racism, the model minority myth, and avoiding shame. In addition, Dr. Chung offers wisdom and guidance for combating comparison culture and low self-esteem through acceptance, celebration and intentional (re-)parenting.

A clinical psychologist based in New York City, Dr. Chung specializes in the treatment of anxiety, mood, ADHD and executive functioning disorders. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Biofeedback models, Dr. Chung works with youth, families and adults in her boutique private practice with 5 other associates. She is also on the faculty of the Mt. Sinai Medical Center and runs In Practice with Dr. Michelle Chung, an Instagram online platform of courses and workshops about mental health and emotional well-being.

Mentioned in this episode:

Asian American Racial Identity Development Model by Jean Kim
Connect with Dr. Chung:
- drmichellechung.com
- drmichellechung@gmail.com
- Instagram @dr.michellechung

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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Asian Name Trauma & Reclamation with Jieun Ko

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Christie chats with Jieun Ko about her experience of reclaiming her name. Jieun discusses how her name was appropriated as ‘Chi’ as a child, and how her reclamation took place alongside the rise of Asian representation in media, anti-Asian hate and the Atlanta spa shootings, and through her own work in therapy. Inspired by Jieun’s story, Christie also reflects upon the history of her American and Korean names. Together, they also discuss taking space, self-worth, and building community.

Jieun Ko is a multi-hyphenate — she is a first-generation, Korean American singer, songwriter, writer, artist, activist, and entrepreneur, based in Brooklyn, New York. She is also the self-proclaimed #1 fan of our podcast! Connect with Jieun through her Patreon, website, and podcast Gajeok.

Jieun hosts a monthly event called Gajeok Gatherings! Gajeok Gatherings is a safe space for Korean American and Korean diasporic women to gather via Google Meet. If you’re interested in being a part of this community, please contact Jieun at: jieunandgreg@gmail.com. She would love to include you as a part of her growing Gajeok community.

Mentioned in this episode:

Penn State Sociology class video
Read more of Jieun’s reclamation story on her blog post: “My Name is Jieun”

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Reflecting upon the Atlanta Spa Shootings, Collective Trauma & Community Healing

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, Sam, Diana & Christie reflect upon the anniversary of the Atlanta spa shootings as well as the increased anti-Asian sentiment and reported hate crimes over the past couple of years. They discuss safety, collective trauma and loss as well as personal experiences of harassment within and beyond NYC. Along with sharing their ongoing work to cope in both personal and professional spaces, they discuss creating space for joy, rest, and community healing.

Resources for the community (This is in no way comprehensive, so if you’d like to bring more awareness about a healing offering please reach out to us!):

New York’s Asian American Federation (AAF) - Free Empowerment Self Defense Workshops
STB Safety (self-defense classes)
@nycpochealingcircle (Reiki for BIPOC communities)
The Cosmos (community rest and care for AAPI womxn)
Soar Over Hate (resources & therapy)
Stop AAPI Hate
Hollaback! (bystander intervention training & resources)
Modern Health Healing Circles
Meals for Unity (addressing food insecurity for AAPI elderly in Chinatown)
@tcbua (Chinatown subway support)

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Holding Safe Enough Space as a Dance/Movement Therapist with Robin Mele

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie chats with Robin Mele, LCAT, about dance/movement therapy and the nonverbal language of being in our bodies. As a queer, biracial therapist, Robin discusses how they intentionally work to be a safe enough person for teens within a hospital setting. Robin offers insights on how they navigate systems of power, protect themselves through the difficult work, and cultivate curiosity and humility both professionally and personally.

Robin (they/them/theirs) is a queer, biracial, dance/movement therapist and licensed creative arts therapist. They are curious and passionate about the integration of abolition and transformative justice with their work on an inpatient psychiatric unit with adolescents at a city hospital. Connect with Robin on Instagram @robinks or via email at romele724@gmail.com.

APISA Spotlight: NYCAAMH

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Finding Peace within our Authentic Choices with Nita Batta & Tiffany Momoko Kindred

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie chats with Nita Batta, LMSW, and Tiffany Momoko Kindred, LMSW, about their intersecting experiences being Asian in the U.S. They discuss the contrast between Tiffany’s experience of culture shock moving from Japan to the U.S. and Nita's experience growing up in suburban Pennsylvania with parents who emigrated from India. Despite their unique identity stories, they all connect on themes of otherness, belonging, and finding peace within our authentic choices. Additionally, Tiffany and Nita discuss working with their clients to unpack internal conflicts around achievement, sacrifice, and self-worth.

Learn more about Nita and Tiffany at their group practice website, A Good Place.

Nita Batta, LMSW

The pull lies in the strength of the familiar; the push is an urge to create space and jump into the unfamiliar. As an individual who was raised between two cultures, I offer a warm and safe space to discuss cultural competency as it relates to your life.
Connect with Nita at nita@agoodplacetherapy.com

Tiffany Momoko Kindred, LMSW

Being biracial and bicultural, I understand the complexities of holding multiple identities. I walk alongside individuals and couples to help them explore and gain an understanding of how their past has led them to their present, and how they want to move from the present into a happier, more fulfilling future.
Connect with Tiffany at tiffany@agoodplacetherapy.com

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Friendship, Loneliness, and Social Energy in Adulthood

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Sam, Diana & Christie discuss the dance of cultivating friendships in adulthood, experiencing shame and loneliness, and the vulnerability of building connection.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Learning to Be Vulnerable as a Male Therapist with Dr. Yu-Kang Chen

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie chats with Yu-Kang Chen, PhD, about his experience being one of the few Asian male therapists from graduate school to his work now. They discuss gender imbalances in the field, emotional labor and vulnerability, and getting his parents’ support on choosing this career.

Yu-Kang Chen is a licensed psychologist with a private practice focusing on providing individual and couple therapy for Asians/Asian Americans in both English and Mandarin languages. He is also the Clinical Psychologist/Training Director at Hamilton Madison House.

Connect with Yu-Kang on Psychology Today or via email at ykcphd@gmail.com
APISA Spotlight: New York’s Asian American Federation (AAF)
- AAF in partnership with the Center for Anti-Violence education is continuing to provide Free Empowerment Self Defense Workshops to all New York City residents

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Privilege, Perfectionism & South Asian Mental Health with Raina Wadhawan

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie chats with Raina Wadhawan, LMHC, about her journey as a South Asian therapist, mental health and privilege at home in India versus here in the U.S., as well as her passion for working with South Asian woman on navigating intergenerational trauma, perfectionism, and authenticity.

Raina Wadhawan, LMHC, is a licensed psychotherapist at a private practice in New York City offering psychotherapy for individuals. Raina specializes in women’s issues, intersection of gender, racial and cultural identities, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma and life transitions. Connect with Raina at www.therapywithraina.com

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Alternatives to Traditional Talk Therapy

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Sam, Diana & Christie discuss different ways to engage in therapy aside from traditional talk therapy. They discuss the benefits of getting out of our intellectual, adult brains and into non-verbal, physical, and creative ways to explore trauma, our inner child and healing. Plus, Diana gives an update about working abroad and the best food she’s had in Mexico so far.

Mentioned in the episode:

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Sandtray Therapy
Art Therapy
Dance and Movement Therapy
Pet and Equine Therapy
Forest Bathing/Therapy
Reiki
Acupuncture
EFT Tapping
Yoga
Meditation

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Coping with Seasonal Depression with Alena Kwong

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, Christie chats with Alena Kwong, LMSW, who is a psychotherapist and member of the Bridges Clinician Community. Alena discusses how the natural shift in seasons can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the winter blues, and offers guidance on practicing mindfulness, coping individually and with others, and the importance of going with the new rhythm rather than fighting against it.

Alena Kwong, LMSW, is a psychotherapist/licensed social worker with a background in holistic nutrition and wellness. She is also a certified yoga practitioner and Reiki Master. Her approach includes mindfulness and somatic based wellness tools for stress reduction and emotional regulation.

Mentioned in the episode:

Alena’s SAD Virtual Support Group — This is an open group for NY residents currently meeting each Wednesday (12:30-1:30pm ET) and Thursday (6-7pm ET) through the end of March 2022
Email Alena for more info at therapywithalena@gmail.com
Follow Alena on Instagram @inspiredliving.by.alena
APISA Spotlight: New York Coalition for Asian American Mental Health (NYCAAMH)

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

The Importance of Terminations in Therapy

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week Sam, Diana, and Christie discuss the importance of healthy terminations in therapy, the many feelings that can come up on both the client's and therapist's end, and ultimately how difficult goodbyes can be for all of us.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

How to Succeed as an International Student with Dr. Vivi

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

For our first episode of 2022, we welcome our first guest on Beyond the Couch, Dr. Vivi Hua. As a clinical psychologist and a success coach for international students, Dr. Vivi discusses the difficult process of navigating a new cultural landscape, caring for mental health, and skill-building for Asian-identified international students to thrive in the US.

Dr. Vivi is a clinical psychologist and a success coach for international students. She is a clinical supervisor for psychology trainees at the Student Counseling Center of the CUNY Graduate Center and is the author of book chapter, The Power of Being Different: Navigating Grad School as International Students.

To learn more and connect with Dr. Vivi:

Visit her website at www.DrViviCoaching.com
Follow on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @DrViviCoaching
Sign up for Dr. Vivi’s biweekly newsletter for international student success tips and resources
Set up a 30-min free consultation call with Dr. Vivi to discuss how she can help you develop important skills in order to do well in the American college classroom and workplace

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

We're Tired & Other Year End Reflections

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

In the last episode of 2021, Christie, Diana and Sam reflect upon a year of growth, pushing their limits, and preferring rest over setting goals for the new year.

Wishing everyone rest and warmth through the holidays. We'll be back with new episodes in January!

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Our Identity Stories & Being Asian Enough

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week Sam, Diana, and Christie share about their own identities as Asian Americans, how they felt in their communities growing up, and their ongoing work as adults and therapists with APISA clients.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Burning Out and Saying No

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week licensed therapists Sam, Diana and Christie discuss stress and burnout, the societal pressures of productivity, and the joy of saying no.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Finding the Right Therapist

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week Sam, Diana, and Christie discuss the challenging process of finding a therapist (even as licensed therapists themselves), why so many therapists don't accept insurance, and offer tips for finding the right fit.

Resources for affordable therapy:
The Loveland Foundation
Soar Over Hate
Open Path Collective

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Boundaries & Self-Care Around the Holidays

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week licensed therapists Sam, Diana, and Christie reminisce about eating Asian foods during the holidays, fielding comments from our grandmothers, and offer practical tips for navigating boundaries and self-care throughout the holiday season.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Perfectionism in Life & Podcasting

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, licensed therapists Sam, Diana, and Christie explore perfectionism in podcasting, procrastination and taking risks as well as tips for moving towards self-acceptance.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Introducing Beyond the Couch!

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:00:00 -0500

In the first ever episode of Beyond the Couch, licensed therapists Sam, Diana, and Christie reflect upon starting their (at the time of recording) untitled podcast, settling into the fall season, and their own energy as therapists in NYC.

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh