Curt and Katie interview Soo Jin Lee, LMFT on the clinical implications of working with Asian American immigrants, refugees, and dreamers. We explore how best to assess these clients, specific clinical considerations related to the immigration experience (and legal status in the country), and ideas for working with these clients clinically. We also talk about the impact of societal views, media portrayals, and representation on AAPI clients.

An Interview with Soo Jin Lee, LMFT

Soo Jin Lee is a co-director of Yellow Chair Collective and co-founder of Entwine Community. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist in CA and has a special focus on training and consulting on Asian mental health related issues. She is passionate about assisting individuals find a sense of belonging and identity through reckoning of intersectional identity work and those that are navigating through difficult life changes.

In this podcast episode, we talk about what therapists should know about Asian American immigrants, refugees, and dreamers

In preparation for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month, we wanted to dig more deeply into specific issues relevant to the AAPI community that are often not discussed in grad school or therapist training programs.

What assessment questions should be included for AAPI immigrant clients?

How to assess and ask about the immigration story (including about whether someone is documented or undocumented)
The assumption of citizenship status during the assessment
Exploration of cultural values and family dynamics
The definitions for refugee, asylum seekers, immigrant, undocumented immigrant, dreamer
Looking at reasons behind coming to the United States as well as legal status in the country

What is the impact of societal views and media portrayals of Asians on AAPI clients?

The common stereotypes and the gap in the representation in the Asian diaspora
The typical portrayal of undocumented immigrants from Latin America, Mexico, etc.
Lack of representation in the media of the broad experience of being an undocumented immigrant or refugee
The misrepresentation of families being all documented or undocumented (it’s actually a mix of statuses)
Language, cultural and values differences between the generations

What are the unique clinical issues for refugees and undocumented immigrants?

The uncertainty of staying in the country
The hidden traumas and the fear of being kicked out
The lack of planning for the future
Education and financial barriers to pursuing the future
Trauma and PTSD are key elements, but sharing the story means that their survival is at risk

How do therapists more effectively work with refugees and undocumented immigrants in therapy?

The fear and risk involved in disclosure and the challenge of talking about identity
Exploring their story creatively, without nitpicking or having to interrogate or make them verbalize their story
The importance of building trust and building a safe space within therapy
Bringing the mainstream media into the session
Addressing fear and decision-making
Soo Jin Lee’s healing journey to become a therapist and advice for other dreamers