Yellow Chair Collective: An Asian American Mental Health Podcast Yellow Chair Collective

Trigger Warning: Mention of sexual assault & violence. Resources below -


Queer Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.tnlr.org/en/24-hour-hotline/
National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/



Helen and Jack talk about Netflix's Heartstopper - how the show offers a glimpse into the innocence and unadulterated love that many queer adults never experienced in their teenage years.

Takeaways


Heartstopper highlights the importance of patience and self-discovery in navigating identity and coming out.
Heartstopper addresses the impact of trauma and the struggle to believe in one's worthiness of love and support.
The series provides a space for empathy, understanding, and healing.
Heartstopper provides a rare portrayal of healthy queer relationships in a world full of rejection and violence.
Therapy should encourage clients to discuss intersectionality and explore the complexities of their identities.
Cultivating imagination is crucial for fostering hopefulness and envisioning a life worth living.
Self-expression and authenticity require support and patience.
The ability to make it through each day and trust oneself is a significant accomplishment.


Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Heartstopper

09:36 Addressing Trauma and Self-Worth

32:53 Exploring Intersectionality and Representation

40:12 Encouraging Intersectionality in Therapy

48:09 The Power of Imagination in Fostering Hopefulness

Helen and Sarah discuss the animated series BoJack Horseman and its exploration of addiction, trauma, and identity. They highlight the show's depiction of addiction and self-destructive tendencies, as well as the cyclical nature of addiction and the challenges of overcoming substance use.

Takeaways


Recognize the importance of therapy in addressing mental health issues
Cultivate self-awareness and embrace opportunities for personal growth
Practice empathy and create non-judgmental spaces for others
Understand the role of forgiveness and self-compassion in healing



Time Stamps


00:00 Introduction and Background

06:03 Unpacking the Impact of Past Traumas

15:01 Navigating Celebrity Culture and the Search for Purpose

36:55 Empathy and Non-Judgmental Spaces

On this episode of Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast, author and Founder of 'Untigering', Iris Chen discusses removing coercive strategies from parenting and the power of empathy and communication. Writing became a part of her healing process in learning to raise a highly sensitive child while learning to navigate her own emotions.



Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

02:46 Parenting as a form of self-compassion and growth.

06:00 Unrealistic expectations and coercive punishments in parenting.

08:27 Personal healing led to reevaluating parenting methods.

12:40 Mutual responsibility, personal power, community, healing patterns.

15:11 Moving to China gave us intentional community

22:02 Understanding needs under behavior for effective parenting.

27:27 Healing through writing, compassion for parents.

31:49 Raising a highly sensitive child

37:02 Appreciating and accepting our parents' imperfections.

40:05 Allowing ourselves to be imperfect, compassionate humans.

43:42 Practice without goals; focus on intention.

49:27 Learning to attune to oneself is key.



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/⁠

Angela Nguyen, MSW and Helen have a conversation about the hit show, "The Good Place". They discuss what it means to be a 'good person', working through guilt and shame, and the importance of growth and healing.



Takeaways




Being a good person is a complex and evolving concept that is influenced by our actions, intentions, and the impact on others.
Childhood and environment play a significant role in shaping our understanding of what it means to be good.
Growth and healing require effort, time, and support from others.
Embracing change and cultivating healthy relationships are essential for personal and relational well-being.
Society may be experiencing a lack of relational health due to high achievement orientation and a focus on individual success. Community care and support are essential for individual well-being and resilience.
The loneliness epidemic is a result of increased social media use and lack of meaningful connections.
Media, including shows like The Good Place, can help foster understanding and compassion for mental health.
Self-compassion involves acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and making efforts to grow and rebuild trust.
Being a good person is a complex journey that requires balancing individualism and collectivism.



Chapters


00:00 Introduction and Love for The Good Place
06:10 The Importance of Effort, Growth, and Healing
25:22 Community Care and Resilience
36:20 Self-Compassion and Growth
45:05 Balancing Individualism and Collectivism in Being a Good Person

What's Next for the Podcast? Welcoming Season 8 of Our Podcast, coming May 2024

In this episode, Helen Garcia interviews Alison Ly, LCSW, about the importance of setting boundaries. They discuss what boundaries are and how they can protect and preserve various aspects of our lives. Alison shares her personal struggles with boundaries and emphasizes that setting boundaries is an ongoing process.



Follow Allison Ly, LCSW-


Coaching Website: https://www.heyallisonly.com
Therapy Practice: https://www.allisonlytherapy.com
Instagram: @heyallisonly



Takeaways




Boundaries are anything that we feel can protect and preserve us, such as emotions, time, energy, and finances.
Setting boundaries is an ongoing process and new situations may require adjustments.
Boundaries can be set with others or internally, and it's important to prioritize self-care and personal needs.
Zooming out, prioritizing, and filtering priorities can help maintain focus and balance in work and personal life.
Reflective questions can help identify the root causes of boundary struggles, and it's important to address and process dark thoughts and emotions. Grief can have a significant impact on relationships, causing individuals to blame themselves and overcompensate to prove their worth.
Healing from childhood patterns is essential for improving relationships and living a fulfilling life.
Recognizing signs of readiness for healing, such as a desire for positive relationships and a willingness to change, is crucial.
Creating boundaries and making space for personal needs is essential for self-care and sustaining healthy relationships.
Indirect boundaries can be effective in certain situations, allowing individuals to prioritize their needs without explicitly stating them.







Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Background

01:02 Understanding Boundaries

05:29 Boundaries in the Context of Work

07:12 Setting Boundaries as a Parent

09:15 Zooming Out and Prioritizing

11:48 Identifying Signs of Boundary Crossings

13:05 Planning and Goal Setting

14:20 Filtering Priorities

19:46 Reflective Questions for Boundary Keeping

21:52 Dealing with Dark Thoughts and Emotions

22:10 The Impact of Grief on Relationships

23:47 Longing and Grief

24:27 Healing from Childhood Patterns

25:42 Signs of Readiness for Healing

27:10 The Challenge of Changing Others

28:19 Making Space for Personal Needs

29:12 The Journey of Self-Reflection

30:01 Saying No and Creating Boundaries

31:29 Understanding Personal Needs

32:15 The Importance of Self-Care

34:43 The Course on Setting Boundaries

36:36 Reframing Guilt and Self-Hatred

37:21 Having Boundary Conversations

39:16 Indirect Boundaries and Communication

42:11 Reflecting on Personal Boundaries