Beyond the Couch

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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

This week, Christie reconnects with Kim Park 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 Park” on Apple / Spotify. Kim Park (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.) 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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. 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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: Muslim Therapist DirectoryMuslim Association for Psychological Services (MAPS)Inclusive TherapistsSouth Asian TherapistsKeywords: Muslim Therapist, Faith and Mental Health, Cultural Identity, South Asian Traditions, Religious Abuse, Family Dynamics, Spiritual Well-being, Therapy Stigma, Intergenerational Patterns. 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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: 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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. 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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. 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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 EatingKimmie Singh, RDSonya Renee TaylorWhat We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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: @themightymunchkin@bodybanter@bigbitesbreakboundarieshttps://themightymunchkin.weebly.com/https://www.bodybanter.com/ 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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: kim@yungmeepsychotherapy.comhttps://www.yungmeepsychotherapy.com 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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.comvnctherapy@gmail.comwww.vnctherapy.com/intimacyMentioned in this episode: Kintsugi Therapist CollectiveInclusive TherapistsApicha Community Health Center 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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.comvnctherapy@gmail.comwww.vnctherapy.com/intimacyMentioned in this episode: Kintsugi Therapist CollectiveInclusive TherapistsApicha Community Health Center Bridges Mental Health aims to connect 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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: 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed* on HBO 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

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 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. Find a Therapist Join our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you. @bridgesmentalhealth bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh