Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast

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

Razdeep Kaur, MSW discusses radical honesty, self-reflection, and personal growth. Topics include embracing rawness, consciousness shaping reality, breaking free from societal molds, setting boundaries, and recognizing personal needs for self-care. Integrity and authenticity are essential for personal growth and decision-making.

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

In this conversation, Brandon Shindo, CEO of  @kandbtherapy  shares his personal and professional growth journey. He discusses overcoming burnout, finding balance, and the necessary steps he took to achieve a thriving private practice and a healthy relationship. Brandon reflects on the influence of his Japanese American heritage and the lessons he learned from his elders. He also explores the concept of healthy masculinity and the importance of listening and understanding in relationships. Brandon offers advice on navigating difficult relationships and finding love after experiencing setbacks. In this conversation, Brandon reflects on the lessons he learned from his grandmother and how her death impacted his life. Takeaways Overcoming burnout and finding balance is essential for personal and professional growth. Seeking help and being vulnerable are crucial steps in achieving a healthy work-life balance. Cultural influences shape our work ethic and understanding of masculinity. Finding peace and safety in relationships requires active listening and understanding. Lessons from difficult relationships can lead to personal growth and the ability to find healthy love. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Favorite Movie 00:42 Personal and Professional Growth 02:21 Overcoming Burnout and Finding Balance 03:23 Lessons from Early Career 04:22 Seeking Help and Vulnerability 05:51 Shifting Priorities and Finding Balance 06:54 Lessons from Elders and Changing Mindset 08:48 Taking Care of Family and Reprioritizing 09:48 Appreciating Life and Embracing Vulnerability 11:06 Cultural Influence on Work Ethic 12:35 Lessons from Japanese American Heritage 16:06 Lessons from Japanese Elders 17:06 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Traits 19:23 Defining Healthy Masculinity 21:30 Finding Peace and Safety in Relationships 23:33 Lessons from Manipulative Relationships 26:02 Navigating Healthy Relationships 28:44 Generosity and Kindness in Relationships 31:43 Finding Love After Difficult Relationships 34:56 Lessons from Adversity 36:17 Lessons from Brandon's Grandma 37:10 Maladaptive Coping

In this episode, Helen and Megan discuss the messaging around body image and the impact of beauty standards on individuals, particularly those who are considered 'other' in society. They explore the intersection of beauty standards and racism, as well as the importance of questioning and unlearning these standards. Megan emphasizes the need to view the body as a relationship and to approach body change with intention and curiosity. They also discuss the role of yoga in honoring the body and cultivating a positive relationship with it. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of challenging societal norms and embracing self-acceptance. Takeaways - Question & challenge beauty standards - the body messaging - View the body as a relationship and cultivate a connection with it - Approach body change with curiosity, ie motivations behind it - Practice self-acceptance to foster a healthier body image LINKS - Events YCC: https://yellowchaircollective.com/ycc-events/⁠ - Sign-Up for a Support Group: https://yellowchaircollective.com/support-group/ - Listen to Episode #36 About Perfectionism & Body w/ Megan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JgrdwbGW9eIkxcn69McEH Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 00:59 The Messaging Around Body Image 02:55 The Intersection of Beauty Standards and Racism 04:29 The Impact of Otherness on Body Image 06:07 The Eurocentric Beauty Standards 07:54 Unlearning and Taking Action 09:04 Questioning Beauty Standards 11:09 Viewing the Body as a Relationship 13:18 The Third Door: Acceptance and Action 16:09 Motivations for Body Change 18:06 The Cult of Productivity and Unhealthy Disciplines 19:35 Rigidity and Tying Self-Worth to Rules 22:05 Approaching Clients and Loved Ones with Body Dysmorphia 25:31 Practicing Yoga as Body Connection 26:01 Honoring the Body through Yoga 29:17 Cultivating a Relationship with the Body 29:59 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

On this clip of Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast, we are  joined by guest Carrie Zhang, founder of Asian Mental Health Project.Carrie shares her  journey of self-discovery and the importance of incorporating self-care practices not selfish but an act of self-preservation and community welfare Link to watch more: From Loneliness to Connection: Carrie Zheng's Journey to Creating the Asian Mental Health Project

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 clip from our podcast episode with writer and founder of Untigering, Iris Chen. Iris shares a powerful story about her child biting other children at preschool, she emphasizes how validating her child's emotions and understanding their needs led to pro-social strategies to navigate stress and anxiety. She reminds us that behaviors are signals of underlying needs, and by meeting those needs, the behaviors tend to resolve themselves. Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/QZ-D6wgV67o Follow Iris Chen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untigering/?hl=en Blog: https://untigering.com/ Buy Untigering Book: https://untigering.com/untigering-⁠peaceful-parenting-for-the-deconstructing-tiger-parent/ Connect with Iris: https://msha.ke/untigering Follow Yellow Chair: Links to all: ⁠https://yellowchaircollective.carrd.co/⁠