Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast

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

In this episode of the Yellow Chair Collective podcast, Kai Tea shares her journey into music and mindfulness. Katie discusses her experiences with bipolar disorder, the importance of mindfulness practices, and how her cultural identity influences her music. She emphasizes the role of creativity and collaboration in her songwriting process and reflects on the challenges of navigating social media as an artist. Throughout the conversation, Katie highlights the significance of self-care and authenticity in her artistic expression. Takeaways Being diagnosed w/ bipolar disorder was eye-opening and liberating for Kai Tea Mindfulness practices, like meditation, help her manage stress and emotions. Kai Tea believes that meditation allows her to connect with her subconscious Navigating social media requires setting boundaries for her mental health. Chapters 00:00 Journey into Music and Mindfulness 04:47 Understanding Bipolar Disorder 09:33 The Role of Mindfulness in Wellness 12:33 Music as a Form of Expression 18:59 Navigating the Music Industry and Social Media

Allison Ly, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in boundary-setting, shares her insights on the ongoing process of establishing personal boundaries. She discusses how boundaries protect our emotions, time, and energy, especially for first and second-generation adults in immigrant families. The conversation touches on the importance of grief, self-reflection, and self-care in maintaining these boundaries. With practical strategies and personal anecdotes, Allison encourages listeners to prioritize their needs for healthier relationships and personal well-being.

In this episode of the Yellow Chair Collective podcast, host Helen Garcia interviews Alcina Tran, who shares her unique journey from Kentucky to becoming a solopreneur focused on healing through music and coaching. The conversation delves into themes of generational trauma, personal evolution, and redefining success, emphasizing the importance of faith, self-discovery, and the transformative power of music. Takeaways Alcina's journey to Kentucky was influenced by family and personal connections. Healing is a central theme in Alcina's life and work. Soulful of Life represents a holistic approach to healing. Alcina transitioned from corporate America to pursue her passion for music and healing. Faith played a significant role in Alcina's artistic journey. Generational patterns can be transformed through awareness and healing. Music serves as a powerful tool for personal and collective healing. Success is redefined as freedom and the ability to express oneself authentically. Alcina emphasizes the importance of community and collective healing. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and deeply personal. Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting with Ancestry 03:21 Witnessing the Healing Journey 06:05 The Impact of Childhood Experiences 10:28 Soulful of Life: A Company Built on Healing 13:14 Elsina's Evolution as an Individual 18:35 Following Dreams and Trusting the Process 22:32 Faith and Perseverance 25:01 Healing Through Music and Spirituality 27:00 Breaking Generational Patterns and Facing Trauma 39:11 Redefining Success as Peace, Freedom, and Abundance 42:56 Embracing Our True Selves and Finding Gratitude

Next up in our season - we talk to Jeff Yeom, AMFT and our friend Nate Goh about dating & sex! Masculinity and Asian identity can often intersect in ways that can impact the way heterosexual Asian men date, especially in America. Jeff & Nate talk to us about their experiences dating, navigating sex and conversations around virginity, and debunking popular dating myths/stereotypes for men. Please follow our podcast and our Instagram @yellowchaircollective to stay updated with us, and share this episode with your friends!  For more info about us and our services, visit https://yellowchaircollective.com. Music from our podcast by Dean Reed:⁠https://fromthevalley.bandcamp.com/

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.

Hosted by: Jack Lam, MSW Each sibling role often comes with a set of cultural expectations that affect the way our families treat us, and the way we participate in our families in response. This week, we invite a panel of YCC staff to share their stories around their sibling roles. Our therapists talk about the responsibilities of the eldest sibling and being a "3rd parent", the inferiority complex of being the youngest sibling, and how these roles can shift when families experience hard times. Please follow our podcast and our Instagram @yellowchaircollective to stay updated with us, and share this episode with your friends!  For more info about us and our services, visit https://yellowchaircollective.com.