Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast

The holiday season can also highlight the complexities of family dynamics—especially for families navigating neurodivergence. Angela Nguyen, a therapist specializing in ADHD and neurodivergent family systems, shares her personal journey and professional insights. Links:  Entwine Community: ⁠⁠https://entwinecommunity.org/⁠⁠  Yellow Chair Collective: ⁠⁠https://yellowchaircollective.com/⁠  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence and Personal Journeys 02:57 Understanding Neurodivergence: Definitions and Distinctions 06:01 Navigating Diagnosis: ADHD, Autism, and Down Syndrome 09:13 The Impact of Neurodivergence on Family Dynamics During Holidays 11:56 Experiencing the Holidays: Challenges for Neurodivergent Individuals 14:56 The Sibling Experience: Balancing Support and Personal Feelings 18:04 Creating Inclusive Holiday Traditions for All Family Members 25:45 Navigating Sibling Dynamics in Neurodivergent Families 30:01 Validating Emotions and Self-Care for Siblings 34:59 Cultural Guilt and the Asian American Experience 41:05 Managing Expectations and Well-Being During Holidays

In this conversation, Jen Gold, a therapist specializing in eating disorders, discusses the complexities of body image and disordered eating, particularly during the holiday season. Links:  Entwine Community: ⁠https://entwinecommunity.org/⁠  Yellow Chair Collective: ⁠https://yellowchaircollective.com/⁠  Takeaways Mindfulness practices like walking can help reduce anxiety. Body image issues are common but do not always lead to disordered eating. Eating disorders can stem from societal pressures and personal experiences. Recovery from eating disorders is possible with the right support. Dieting often leads to harmful metabolic effects and can trigger disordered eating. The holidays can exacerbate body image issues due to societal expectations. Family comments about weight can significantly impact self-esteem. Empathy is crucial for therapists working with clients with eating disorders. Understanding the emotional roots of eating disorders is essential for treatment. Food should be viewed as fuel rather than categorized as good or bad. Even kind comments about body image can trigger shame. Cultural messaging can deeply affect personal body image perceptions. Disordered eating often stems from a desire for acceptance. It's important to recognize the insidious nature of societal beauty standards. Recovery involves aligning daily actions with personal values. Secrecy and shame are common in those with eating disorders. Community support is crucial in overcoming negative body image. Parents should model healthy attitudes towards food and body image. Children notice discrepancies between words and actions regarding body image. Focus on the functionality of the body rather than appearance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mindfulness Practices 03:01 Understanding Eating Disorders 05:50 Distinctions: Body Image Issues vs. Disordered Eating 08:57 Pathways to Eating Disorders 11:59 The Role of Food and Dieting 15:02 Holidays and Body Image Challenges 17:57 Evolving Perspectives on Eating Disorders 21:00 Empathy and Growth as a Therapist 23:55 Family Influence on Body Image 24:39 The Impact of Body Image on Mental Health 30:00 Understanding the Roots of Disordered Eating 36:03 Cultural Pressures and the 'New Year, New You' Mentality 38:07 Strategies for Combatting Negative Messaging 41:06 Raising Body-Positive Children

 In this collaboration episode, hosted by Jackie Zimmerman of Mental Health America, we are joined by clinical social workers Helen Garcia and Polesa Osei-Tutu as we explore crucial issues impacting mental health today. We'll delve into the economic and psychological challenges faced by women of color, particularly those caring for autistic siblings and elderly immigrant parents. Links:  Polesa Osei-Tutu, LCSW: https://www.instagram.com/sit_awhile_and_heal/  MHA Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHcA3Wg4TmU&t=5s  Crisis Center: https://chat.988lifeline.org/  Entwine Community: https://entwinecommunity.org/  Yellow Chair Collective: https://yellowchaircollective.com/  Homecoming Book: https://www.amazon.com/Homecoming-Overcome-Trauma-Reclaim-Authentic/dp/059341831X Where I Belong Book Resources/Emergency Hotlines Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741-741  TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988  LACDMH Help Line: (800) 854-7771  Disaster Distress Helpline: (800) 985-5990  Trevor Project Lifeline: (800) 788-7386  Substance Abuse Service Helpline: (844) 804-7500  Family Urgent Response System (FURS): Call or text 1-833-939-FURS (3877)  National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673  SAgE's Farmer Support Hotline: 833-381-SAGE  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: (800) 662-4357  Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1, or text 838255  Time Stamps 00:00 New crisis resource center for mental health. 06:18 Discussing mental health shifts amid societal stressors. 09:05 Political division, identity awareness, mental health focus. 10:14 Economic crisis stresses mental health resources strain. 15:40 Community, therapy, simplicity, ease mental burden, connection. 18:54 Balancing self-care amidst mental health challenges. 22:06 Self-care means small, accessible everyday actions. 27:06 Check in with your senses for burnout. 27:46 Burnout symptoms: fatigue, eyes flicker, hair loss. 33:44 "Seek realistic balance in a capitalistic society." 37:40 Embrace objectivity, self-care, and seek support. 42:06 Remember self-care; treat yourself as a friend. 44:58 Limit tech use; life outside matters more. 48:23 Change your phone habits; it's transformative. 52:52 "Homecoming" helps reclaim your true self. 56:29 Reposted resources, certificate link, audience engagement appreciated. 57:33 Thanks, everyone. Enjoy your day!

On the latest episode of Yellow Chair Collective, we have fellow therapist of the Collective - Megan Soun. In this episode, Megan opens up about her personal journey with perfectionism, disordered eating, and the power of embracing her Asian identity. Time Stamps 00:00:00 Intro 00:05:35 Being Asian in primarily white and black context shaped me. 00:07:42 Discovery of racial justice, internalized racism, Asian identity. 00:11:49 Unpacking disordered eating and its spectrum. 00:18:06 Struggling with disordered eating, faith, and racism. 00:22:07 Importance of faith in healing and identity. 00:27:33 Obsession with audio technology, forgetting purpose. 00:29:39 Joy and uncertainty led me to therapy. 00:35:35 Misery prompted change in therapist perfectionism 00:40:27 Being kinder to myself, creating possibilities, containing perfectionism. 00:43:29 Passions: dance, reading, baking, socializing. 00:46:59 Gratitude for Megan's vulnerability and growth. Follow Yellow Chair - ⁠https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/

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

In this conversation, Helen Garcia and Susan Lieu explore family trauma and how to heal from generational family wounds. Follow Susan Susan's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/model-minority-moms/id1565085683 Susan's Website: www.susanlieu.me IG: @susanlieu @celadonbooks, @modelminoritymoms FB: www.facebook.com/susanlieuofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanlieu/ Follow Yellow Chair YCC IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=en YCC Events: ⁠https://yellowchaircollective.com/ycc-events/ YCC YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@yellowchaircollective/featured⁠ YCC Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23NdPdt17FyewUV2nx5BJu Takeaways The next 20 years hold significant potential for change. Personal stories can illuminate paths to growth. Confronting internal struggles is essential for mental health. Self-discovery is a continuous journey. Empowerment comes from shared experiences. Self-care is not just a luxury, but a necessity. Navigating life's challenges requires resilience. Mental health awareness is crucial for well-being. Learning from experiences shapes our identity. Taking care of the mind is as important as the body. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Susan Liu and Her Story 01:32 The Impact of Trauma and Silence 06:19 Navigating Body Image and Cultural Expectations 10:24 Identity Struggles and Generational Trauma 17:35 Awakening Through Motherhood and Art 22:55 Confronting the Past and Seeking Closure 30:30 Understanding Parental Relationships 33:27 Evolving Perspectives on Family Dynamics 34:36 Cultivating Compassion for Complicated Relationships 35:04 Expectations vs. Reality in Family Connections 39:10 Navigating Boundaries with Family 41:00 Redefining Motherhood and Personal Growth 44:28 Body Image and Self-Acceptance 53:42 Healing Through Ancestral Connections

In today's episode, your host Helen Garcia is joined by the insightful Alyssa Mancao, a licensed therapist and advocate for community-centered healing. Follow Yellow Chair YCC IG: https://www.instagram.com/yellowchair... YCC Events: https://yellowchaircollective.com/ycc... YCC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yellowchaircollective/featured Follow Alyssa Website: alyssamariewellness.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/alyssamariewellness/?hl=en Chapters 00:00 Discussing Alyssa's journey into therapy career. 03:39 Accidentally discovered social work career through education. 06:58 Immigrated young, felt cultural confusion, value disparity. 10:29 Western values: Material focus, hierarchical; contrast with community. 14:21 Eye-opening realization on happiness misconceptions abroad. 20:04 Struggled with commitment and cultural differences. 22:12 Reflecting on multicultural identity and family support. 27:07 Transitioned from juvenile justice to private practice. 28:32 Exploring multi-generational trauma through private practice. 31:47 Mindbody Green first writing opportunity, encouraged representation. 35:26 Grateful for Alyssa's entrepreneurial example and practice.

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. Follow Yellow Chair YCC IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=en⁠ YCC Events: ⁠https://yellowchaircollective.com/ycc-events/⁠ 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 episode of Yellow Chair Collective, host Helen Garcia speaks with Lauren DeVera, founder and CEO of Lions Den, about the intersection of dance and mental health. They explore Lauren's journey as a highly sensitive person, the impact of family dynamics, and the importance of emotional safety in relationships. Follow Yellow Chair YCC IG: https://www.instagram.com/yellowchaircollective/?hl=en YCC Events: https://yellowchaircollective.com/ycc-events/ Follow Lauren DeVera Lauren DeVera IG: https://www.instagram.com/thelaurendevera/ Lauren DeVera Website: https://www.lauren-devera.com/ Lauren DeVera Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-and-thread/id1525470424 Takeaways How we move in our body impacts how we feel in the world. Energy reciprocity is essential in creative spaces. Belonging is a core wound for many, especially in blended families. Emotional safety is crucial in relationships and personal growth. The pandemic forced introspection and healing for many individuals. Curiosity can guide personal and professional growth. Hardship can be a test of resilience and growth. Community building is a vital aspect of entrepreneurship. Mental health and wellness should be integrated into creative practices. Letting go of the pressure to make the right decision can be liberating. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lauren DeVera and Lions Den 02:42 The Dance of Sensory Awareness 05:44 Energy Exchange and Human Design 08:46 Growing Up as a Highly Sensitive Person 11:34 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Sensitivity 14:29 The Journey of Healing and Belonging 17:31 Navigating the Dark Years 20:23 The Birth of Lions Den and Personal Growth 22:47 Navigating Financial Hardships and Personal Growth 24:54 The Journey of Acceptance and Surrender 26:33 Lessons from the Dark Years 29:29 Expanding Emotional Capacity 31:13 Intuition and Decision Making 33:22 Finding Peace Amidst Chaos 35:37 The Birth and Evolution of Lion's Den 41:02 Integrating Mental Health into Dance Practice 43:10 Community Building as a Core Talent 44:57 Embracing Hardship as a Path to Growth

The conversation delves into the experiences and insights of Helen and Asuka Garcia regarding Taiko drumming. They explore their assumptions, the journey of learning and performing Taiko, and share professional insights into the art form. The discussion culminates in reflections on their experiences and the impact of Taiko on their lives. Takeaways The importance of challenging assumptions in learning. Taiko drumming is a journey of personal growth. Professional insights can enhance the understanding of art forms. Reflections on experiences can lead to deeper insights. Community plays a vital role in the Taiko experience. Taiko drumming fosters a sense of belonging. The art of Taiko is both physical and emotional. Learning Taiko requires dedication and practice. Sharing experiences enriches the learning process. Taiko can be a powerful form of expression. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Cultural Identity 04:39 Journey into Mental Health 12:36 Mind-Body Connection and Personal Experiences 13:33 Exploring Taiko as Self-Care 21:28 The Role of Community in Taiko 26:25 Navigating Relationships and Cultural Expectations 38:43 Closing Thoughts and Reflections