Yellow Chair Collective: An Asian American Mental Health Podcast

Helen talks to the "Happiest Pod on Earth" gals - Ariel Landrum, LMFT & Stef Bautista, MA about Sailor Moon! They also discuss the app 'Too Good to Go' to purchase leftover food from local businesses. The conversation also transitions into Ariel & Stef's friendship & using Disney in educational and mental health settings.

Takeaways -

• Friendships can have a significant impact on personal growth and identity
• Using Disney in educational and mental health settings in schools!
• Sailor Moon explores themes of friendship, group dynamics, and coping with grief and loss Sailor Moon empowered women and allowed them to embrace different facets of femininity.
• Finding a healthy and supportive partner is important in relationships.
• Play is a vital tool in child development and problem-solving.
• It's important to embrace your uniqueness and not care about what others say.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Highs and Lows
• 01:31 Too Good to Go!
• 27:29 Coping with Grief and Loss in Sailor Moon
• 30:55 The Empowerment of Femininity in Sailor Moon
• 34:41 Navigating Relationships and Finding a Healthy Partner

Helen and Sarah discuss the animated series BoJack Horseman and its exploration of addiction, trauma, and identity. They highlight the show's depiction of addiction and self-destructive tendencies, as well as the cyclical nature of addiction and the challenges of overcoming substance use. Takeaways

• Recognize the importance of therapy in addressing mental health issues
• Cultivate self-awareness and embrace opportunities for personal growth
• Practice empathy and create non-judgmental spaces for others
• Understand the role of forgiveness and self-compassion in healing

Time Stamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 06:03 Unpacking the Impact of Past Traumas
• 15:01 Navigating Celebrity Culture and the Search for Purpose
• 36:55 Empathy and Non-Judgmental Spaces

Angela Nguyen, MSW and Helen have a conversation about the hit show, "The Good Place". They discuss what it means to be a 'good person', working through guilt and shame, and the importance of growth and healing.

Takeaways

• Being a good person is a complex and evolving concept that is influenced by our actions, intentions, and the impact on others.
• Childhood and environment play a significant role in shaping our understanding of what it means to be good.
• Growth and healing require effort, time, and support from others.
• Embracing change and cultivating healthy relationships are essential for personal and relational well-being.
• Society may be experiencing a lack of relational health due to high achievement orientation and a focus on individual success. Community care and support are essential for individual well-being and resilience.
• The loneliness epidemic is a result of increased social media use and lack of meaningful connections.
• Media, including shows like The Good Place, can help foster understanding and compassion for mental health.
• Self-compassion involves acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and making efforts to grow and rebuild trust.
• Being a good person is a complex journey that requires balancing individualism and collectivism.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Love for The Good Place
• 06:10 The Importance of Effort, Growth, and Healing
• 25:22 Community Care and Resilience
• 36:20 Self-Compassion and Growth
• 45:05 Balancing Individualism and Collectivism in Being a Good Person

What's Next for the Podcast? Welcoming Season 8 of Our Podcast, coming May 2024

In this conversation, Yellow Chair Therapist, Mina Yoon, shares her experiences growing up with an emotionally immature parent and her late diagnosis of ADHD. We explore the complexity of parent-child relationships and the importance of setting boundaries. She highlights the impact of shame and the validation that comes with an ADHD diagnosis.

Takeaways

• Adult children of emotionally immature parents may struggle with setting boundaries and experience guilt and shame.
• Understanding the signs and symptoms of emotionally immature parents can help individuals recognize and address the impact on their lives.
• Starting the path of recovery without therapy can involve self-reflection, research, and self-compassion.
• Preserving the relationship with a parent while setting boundaries is possible and can be beneficial for one's mental health.
• Late diagnosis of ADHD is common, especially in women and people of color, and can provide validation and understanding.
• Hyper-focus is a common trait in ADHD, leading to intense interest in hobbies or activities that may be dropped abruptly.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:59 Enjoyed preschool, felt like authentic self. Good food, friends, carefree, vivid memories.
• 08:17 Relating to books and being seen.
• 10:16 Emotionally immature parent acts like a child.
• 13:27 Asian family dynamics: trust, independence, and extremes.
• 17:28 Complex trauma leads to identity and control loss.
• 22:19 Cultural influence on setting boundaries with family.
• 25:12 Setting boundaries preserves relationships while prioritizing self.
• 28:40 Struggled academically after elementary school, college performance poor.
• 31:58 ADHD diagnosis helps reduce shame, provides validation.
• 36:48 Struggling with focus, need deadlines and consequences.
• 40:32 Being honest and apologizing helps manage shame.
• 43:39 Balancing self blame with reflection, overcoming challenges.
• 45:41 Surrendering addiction, seeking approval, learning from adversity.
• 49:55 Continuously working through life, a lifelong journey.
• 51:26 Finding freedom in small steps towards authenticity.

In today's episode, we interview Stanford Psychologist and President of the Asian American Psychological Association, Dr. Christine Catipon on grief, challenges in leadership, and imposter syndrome.

Takeaways

• Leadership comes with challenges, but it is important to approach it with humility and a willingness to have difficult conversations.
• Spirituality and faith can provide grounding and support during challenging times.
• Imposter syndrome is common, but it is important to remember that our worth is not defined by external achievements.
• Self-compassion and authenticity are key in navigating personal and professional growth.
• Building community and finding connection with others is essential for personal and collective healing. Understanding and embracing pain can lead to self-actualization and personal growth.
• Finding support and making a difference in one's work can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Balancing multiple responsibilities requires self-care and prioritizing one's health.
• Trusting one's inner wisdom and following the path that aligns with personal growth is essential for making decisions and finding fulfillment.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:27 Challenges of Leadership
• 03:35 Imposter Syndrome and Power
• 06:59 Navigating Leadership and Cultural Humility
• 08:36 Handling World Events and Building Community
• 10:28 Self-Compassion and Authenticity
• 16:46 Spirituality and Faith
• 23:08 Identity Crisis and Personal Growth
• 30:47 Advice to Younger Self
• 36:39 Writing a Book and Inner Dialogue
• 37:16 Discovering Self-Actualization through Understanding Pain
• 38:24 The Second Valley: Dealing with Family Health Issues
• 39:18 The Devastating Impact of Preventative Surgeries
• 41:09 Finding Support and Making a Difference at UC Irvine
• 42:35 Feeling Supported at Stanford and Taking on Leadership Roles
• 44:19 Balancing Multiple Responsibilities
• 45:16 Self-Indulgence and Self-Care
• 47:57 Trusting Inner Wisdom and Following the Path
• 50:55 Using Feelings and Authenticity to Make Decisions
• 52:13 Being the Expert on Your Own Life
• 52:59 Positive Feedback and Impact on Others
• 53:31 Gratitude and Appreciation

In this episode Helen is joined by fellow therapist, Khai Hoang, to discuss societal pressures and overcoming the struggle to prove oneself. From discussing the impact of privilege and societal norms to the complexities of social media and the journey towards self-acceptance, this episode is a candid exploration of imposter syndrome, authenticity, and embracing uncertainties.

Takeaways

• Doubt and uncertainty are universal experiences that can be alleviated through sharing vulnerabilities and seeking understanding from others.
• Embracing mistakes and not knowing can lead to personal growth and a sense of freedom.
• Trusting your gut and following your intuition can lead to positive outcomes and a deeper sense of self-trust.
• Letting go of societal expectations and embracing personal growth can lead to greater acceptance and fulfillment.
• Building trust and relationships in the workplace is essential for a sustainable and meaningful career.
• Connection and community are vital for personal well-being and a sense of belonging.

Time Stamps

• 00:00 Navigating privilege and humility in academic spaces.
• 04:26 Commentary on being judged based on appearance.
• 07:42 No need for validation, self-acceptance is important.
• 10:51 Society's hyper-awareness leads to constant scrutiny.
• 15:16 Respect privacy and set healthy sharing boundaries.
• 17:25 Creating without fear of external perception is liberating.
• 20:58 Social pressure and navigating identity challenges.
• 24:31 Self-acceptance in the face of judgment.
• 29:17 Understanding privilege, acceptance, and emotional awareness in childhood.
• 30:43 Shared feelings of insecurity and imposter syndrome.
• 35:31 Acceptance of self is not about doing.
• 37:55 Trusting your gut amidst societal pressure.
• 42:28 Anxiety about career, Asian excellence, and pressure.
• 44:05 Trusting environment allows focus on meaningful work.
• 47:20 Value community, relationships and being present.

In this conversation, Helen interviews Ruth Sze, an art therapist and marriage and family therapist, about her work with postpartum moms. Ruth shares her personal journey of becoming a mom and going back to school to pursue her passion for art therapy.

Takeaways

• Art therapy can be a powerful tool for expressing subconscious needs and emotions.
• The postpartum period can be a time of joy, but also loneliness, grief, and guilt.
• Creating a safe space for moms to share their experiences and process their emotions is crucial.
• Mindfulness and self-compassion are important for healing intergenerational trauma and building resilience. Mom guilt can be a significant barrier to self-care and personal fulfillment.
• It is important for moms to challenge societal expectations and define their own version of a good mom.
• Finding time for self-care requires intentional time blocking and prioritization.
• Art therapy can support mindfulness, emotional expression, and reflection in the journey of self-discovery and understanding.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction of Ruth and Her Work
• 03:18 Focus on Postpartum Population
• 06:25 Ruth's Journey to Grad School
• 11:40 Ruth's Experience as a New Mom in Grad School
• 17:38 Structure of the Postpartum Mom Group
• 22:40 Healing Intergenerational Trauma
• 29:33 Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
• 36:33 Struggles with Having Fun
• 37:40 The Impact of Mom Guilt
• 39:39 Exploring the Idea of a Good Mom
• 41:01 Navigating Guilt and Shame
• 42:32 Finding Time for Self-Care
• 43:29 Overcoming the 'I Don't Know What to Do' Barrier
• 46:39 Incorporating Art Therapy into the Practice
• 51:05 The Experience of Being a Third Culture Kid
• 57:38 Using Art as a Form of Expression and Understanding

In this conversation, Nadia Islam, a licensed clinical supervisor at Yellow Chair Collective, discusses the importance of evidence-based and culturally humble approaches in therapy. She discusses the importance of accepting reality and moving towards one's values, as well as the power of voice and the impact of self-judgment.

Takeaways

• Evidence-based therapy involves using strategies that have been proven to lead to significant improvement in clients' symptoms or conditions.
• Cultural humility recognizes the limitations of research and aims to create a collaborative space that respects diverse populations.
• Client advocacy and empowerment are important in therapy, allowing clients to drive the conversation and make decisions about their own lives.
• The therapist's role is to guide the conversation, using active and directive approaches when necessary.
• Understanding and defining the client's problem is a crucial step in therapy.
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a complex framework that may not fully capture the overlapping phases of personal growth and community focus.
• Personal background and cultural influences shape a therapist's approach to therapy.
• Transitioning to therapy and facing challenges can be a transformative experience for both the therapist and the client.
• Becoming a licensed therapist requires dedication and perseverance. Accepting reality and moving towards one's values can bring meaning and fulfillment.
• Unconditional love in adult relationships may not be realistic or fair, as reciprocity and equality are important.
• Self-judgment can hinder personal growth and happiness, while curiosity can lead to greater understanding and acceptance.
• Focusing on the dynamics of relationships and the qualities of the connection can be more important than finding the 'right' person.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:06 Evidence-Based Practice & Cultural Humility
• 03:00 The Importance of Client Advocacy
• 06:00 The Therapist's Role in Guiding Conversations
• 08:17 Balancing Active and Directive Approaches
• 11:30 Helping Clients Identify and Define Problems
• 13:59 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
• 16:09 Indigenous Framework and Overlapping Phases
• 18:07 Personal Background & Cultural Influences
• 22:14 Navigating Challenging Situations and Making Decisions
• 26:37 Experiences in New York City and California
• 30:17 Transitioning to Therapy, Facing Challenges
• 35:26 Nadia's Journey to Becoming a Licensed Therapist
• 36:05 Pursuing International Social Work
• 36:31 Working in Sri Lanka
• 37:41 Challenges and Failures
• 40:52 Dealing with Disappointment
• 41:41 Values and Acceptance
• 42:48 The Power of Voice
• 43:45 Defining Values
• 46:15 Dealing with Uncertainty
• 47:10 Self-Judgment and Curiosity
• 49:11 The Belief of Unlovability
• 51:37 Unconditional Love in Adult Relationships
• 54:46 Letting Go of Expectations
• 57:09 Focusing on the Relationship
• 58:35 Lessons from Intimate Partner Violence
• 01:00:08 Identifying What You Want
• 01:01:15 The Dance of Relationships

In this conversation, Raz Kaur discusses the importance of radical honesty and acceptance, the power of consciousness and the mind, and the process of self-reflection and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges of recovering from perfectionism and the importance of seeking support and advice from trusted individuals.

Takeaways

• Embrace radical honesty and acceptance with yourself to defuse tension and find inner peace.
• Explore the power of consciousness and the mind in shaping your reality and personal growth.
• Engage in self-reflection and embrace rawness to discover your true identity and break free from societal molds.
• Choose yourself and set boundaries to prioritize your well-being and personal fulfillment. Self-reflection and introspection are crucial for personal growth and self-discovery.
• Recognizing and addressing personal needs is essential for self-care.
• Past experiences can shape self-perception and behavior, but it is possible to break free from negative patterns.
• Integrity and authenticity are key values that guide personal growth and decision-making.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Nervous Energy
• 02:09 The Ego Self and Higher Self
• 03:34 Radical Honesty and Acceptance
• 05:17 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
• 06:36 Origin Story and Early Influences
• 07:50 Psychic Sylvia Brown and Spirituality
• 09:21 Being a Paradox and Embracing Rawness
• 11:33 The Power of Consciousness and Mind
• 13:39 Shadow Work and Self-Awareness
• 15:51 People Pleasing and Self-Reflection
• 18:49 Mindfulness and Grounding Practices
• 22:13 Choosing Yourself and Acceptance
• 25:01 Not Fitting the Mold and Embracing Differences
• 28:22 Cultural Expectations and Personal Identity
• 30:37 Choosing Yourself and Internalizing Guilt
• 36:06 Accepting Yourself as a Paradox
• 37:42 Choosing Yourself and Setting Boundaries
• 39:57 Self-Abandonment and Learning from Others
• 40:32 Epiphanies and Moments of Clarity
• 41:01 Abandoning Yourself
• 42:23 Feeling Left Behind
• 43:21 Becoming a Chameleon
• 44:19 Discipline and Self-Care
• 45:13 Slipping and Falling
• 46:42 Discovering Values and Integrity
• 49:37 Recovering from Perfectionism
• 50:30 Deep Integrity and Authenticity
• 52:21 Choosing Yourself
• 55:09 Anticipatory Loss
• 56:30 Seeking Support and Advice
• 59:11 Reminding Yourself of Who You Are

Helen is joined by the Co-Directors of Yellow Chair Collective: Soo Jin Lee and Linda Yoon. In this episode, Soo Jin and Linda celebrate the launch of their book "Where I Belong" by vulnerably discussing the changing perceptions of Korean culture and Asian representation due to media and internet access, as well as the presence of mental health representation in Korean dramas.

Takeaways:

• Creation of support groups and workshops during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Journey of the book "Where I Belong"
• Response to the rise of hatred and violence in the Asian community
• Providing a tool for connection and support
• Personal experiences shared by the authors
• Struggles with identity and trauma healing

Time Stamps

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:23 Who are Linda, Soo Jin, and Helen?
• 08:39 Creating community spaces, support groups, and workshops.
• 13:36 Struggle with identity and belonging in America.
• 15:16 Healing trauma, understanding personal experiences and perspective.
• 19:19 Struggling with English, parents upset about performance.
• 22:01 Asian American identity, stereotypes, standards, and deeper understanding.
• 25:56 Reflecting on life, family, work, and change.
• 31:34 Negative perception of therapy led to action.
• 34:18 Asian upbringing creates defensive walls, fosters vulnerability.
• 38:07 Reflecting on history, grief, celebration, and preservation.
• 40:12 Reclaiming identity through joy and empowerment journey.
• 44:53 Uncertain future for next generation, hopeful diversity.
• 50:47 Breaking the stigma of mental health barriers.
• 54:28 Celebration through food

Esther Lee is a therapist and advocate for social justice. She highlights the complexity of people's stories and the need to challenge assumptions and stereotypes.

Takeaways

• Continuous education is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Challenging assumptions and stereotypes is crucial in understanding people's stories.
• Self-care and resilience are important for preventing burnout.
• Somatic work and labeling emotions can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others. Intentions play a crucial role in shaping outcomes and experiences.
• Setting intentions is essential for cultivating healthy relationships.
• Defining personal values and living them out is key to setting intentions.
• Accountability and grace are important in the process of setting and achieving intentions.
• Surrendering and starting with oneself is a powerful approach to personal growth and relationship-building.
• Observing the future can inform present actions and intentions.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
• 01:20 Continuous Education and Learning
• 03:26 The Complexity of People's Stories
• 04:18 Finding Joy in Small Spaces
• 05:26 Staying Humble and Curious
• 06:54 Challenging Assumptions and Stereotypes
• 08:53 Surprising Moments of Humility
• 10:09 Transitioning from Legal Work to Therapy
• 11:45 Realizing the Limitations of Advocacy
• 13:06 Experiencing Burnout and Crisis
• 16:23 Transitioning to Therapy and Somatic Work
• 20:15 Recovering from Crisis and Building Resilience
• 27:27 Understanding Somatic Work and Labeling Emotions
• 32:19 Deepening Relationships and Self-Understanding
• 35:53 Exploring Herbalism and Energy in Healing
• 37:11 The Role of Intentions
• 38:19 Intentions in Relationships
• 39:35 Setting Intentions for Healthy Relationships
• 41:38 Setting Intentions in Romantic Partnerships
• 42:09 Starting with Values
• 43:17 Living Out Values
• 44:36 Personal Values: Reverence and Release
• 46:11 Accountability and Grace
• 49:02 Surrendering and Starting with Yourself
• 50:08 Observing the Future

On this 5-Minute Moment, Helen sits down with meditation practitioner and teacher, Jonathan Fong Ly to explore the mythos and pressure around meditation and emphasize that it can be as simple as closing your eyes and sitting down. This clip also delves into different types of meditation, the importance of gratitude and awareness, and the cognitive triangle.

A candid talk on Trauma, Immigrant Identity and Mental Health with the Co-Directors of Yellow Chair Collective - Soo Jin Lee, LMFT & Linda Yoon, LCSW

Linda and Soo Jin sit down for an in-depth conversation about overcoming limiting beliefs, embracing their Asian-American identity, dealing with trauma and starting their service-oriented company.

These inspiring women share their experiences with marginalization, traumas, and cultural struggles, and their journey towards establishing an organization that bridges generational gaps through connection and understanding

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:12 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

03:29 Impact of Trauma on Personal and Professional Life

03:58 The Struggle of Being an Immigrant

06:04 The Fear of Failure and the Drive to Succeed

07:17 The Challenge of People Pleasing

09:02 The Journey of Self-Acceptance

16:52 The Importance of Discussing the Undocumented Experience

17:31 The Significance of a Holistic Private Practice

20:07 The Power of Connection and Community

22:24 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this clip from Season 3 of Yellow Chair Collective,  Marriage & Family Therapist, Jeff Yeom, opens up about his personal journey of self-discovery and challenges the traditional ideals of masculinity. From feeling different and frustrated in his college years to finding validation and acceptance from his friends, Jeff shares the importance of vulnerability and emotional connection in relationships. We also explore the impact of gender dynamics and expectations on our lives, as well as the struggles and triumphs of expressing emotions and seeking help. Join us as we dive into thought-provoking conversations surrounding toxic masculinity, cultural influences, and the power of embracing our true selves. 

This week's clip highlights Kim Saira's journey to therapy - "When we are constantly in fight, flight or freeze response, we can think, or just myself, like, I can think that anyone who disagrees with me is the enemy or I need to either fight them or run away."

More full-length episodes will publish in August :) - but for now, please enjoy vulnerable goodies from past guests :)

On this episode of Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast, we talk to Lotti, a musician who is known for writing about personal experiences such as separation, breakups, and losing oneself in a relationship. They discuss Lotti's process of crafting songs based on personal experiences, particularly her experience of a breakup which is universal. The podcast also explores the importance of music in Philippine culture, the meaning of creativity, the power of collaboration in music writing, and the process of releasing a song when it's ready. Tune in to this episode to hear more about Lotti's music and her unique insights into the art of music-making. Time Stamps 00:00 Music saved me, I lost myself. 05:47 Song inspiration: feeling, learning, divorce observation. 07:50 Discovery of voice through personal suffering. 13:43 Moving to LA made me feel different. 14:49 First real interaction with dad 23:59 Creative freedom discovered through calling off work. 27:27 Powerful performance mesmerizes audience at open mic. 30:17 Quickly created song with friends' input. 32:49 Feeling good songs, releasing ego, collaborate together. 38:07 Artistry over pure creativity. 41:11 Collaborative process with artist Camila for visuals. Follow Lotti YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCQWhRyINo_Uw-fDp6VMZIAw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lotti4evr/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2fqGZPNHkzzYFDya39KOiv#login Follow Yellow Chair: Links to all: ⁠https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/⁠