Sincere Practice Podcast

Helen Bass

I’m Helen Bass, LCSW — a licensed therapist serving Asian women navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and the pressure to hold everything together. I talk about 3 things - Business, faith, and mental health - through an Asian immigrant woman’s lens. sincerepractice.substack.com

  1. Jun 1

    Why So Many People Feel Like They Don't Belong — A Deep Conversation

    What does it mean to truly belong? In this heartfelt conversation, Helen Bass, Gina, and Nilifer explore identity, faith, cultural experiences, immigration, race, belonging, self-worth, and the journey of becoming comfortable in your own skin. From growing up in multicultural environments to navigating life as Asian women in America, this discussion uncovers how family, community, spirituality, and personal growth shape who we are. If you've ever questioned whether you fit in, struggled with self-doubt, or searched for a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation offers powerful insights on healing, authenticity, connection, and finding your place in the world. ______ If you are an Asian woman navigating anxiety, identity, family pressure, relationships, faith, or the quiet exhaustion of always holding it together — you do not have to process it alone. At Sincere Practice, I offer therapy and coaching for women who are ready to become more honest, grounded, and connected in their lives. Therapy is for deeper emotional healing, mental health support, anxiety, grief, relationships, cultural identity, and the patterns that keep showing up in your life. Coaching is for women who are ready to grow with intention, build healthier inner narratives, strengthen their relationships, and move toward a life that feels more aligned, spacious, and true. If you are ready to stop performing your way into belonging and start becoming more fully yourself, I would love to connect with you. Begin here: https://www.sincerepractice.com/ Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6Pas6TC4a-Y?si=ZCqtrFDHYic57zyb Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters by Helen Bass at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 10m
  2. I took 30 days off social media as a business owner + therapist — here's what happened

    May 21

    I took 30 days off social media as a business owner + therapist — here's what happened

    In this video, I share my business mindset after a 30-day sabbatical from social media and podcasting. Discover how taking a break can lead to clarity and growth in your entrepreneurial journey. Links: Therapist Accountability Group: https://www.sincerepractice.info/therapist-coaching-group(Founding members get exclusive $177/month forever) Effortless Business Book: https://www.grahamcochrane.com/effortlessbook Go Giver Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591848288?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_thcv_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1779399155&sr=8-1 Big Leap Book: https://a.co/d/0giRff9t Shay Cochrane Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCeXvSN7IJZeBWSZDzPTmGog Key takeaways: * Embracing change as progress is essential for growth. * The importance of giving and generosity in business. * Slowing down to gain insights and creativity. * Applying the 80-20 principle to focus on impactful actions. * Faith as a cornerstone of business decisions. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 My existential crisis and the need for a break 01:00 Lessons learned during my sabbatical 02:23 Key takeaways from my reading 03:51 Embracing change as progress 09:08 The importance of giving in business 12:05 Slowing down for creativity 14:18 The 80-20 principle in action 21:32 Faith in business decisions Subscribe for more insights on entrepreneurship and mental health. Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters by Helen Bass at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    23 min
  3. Part 2: when grief won't leave your body, what to do| Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kiem, Helen Bass

    Apr 14

    Part 2: when grief won't leave your body, what to do| Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kiem, Helen Bass

    hey girlies! This episode is part 2 of "why women of color carry stress differently". We talk about "how to get better" after discussing nervous system healing from part 1 = nervous system + healing + community vibes 💭 Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kim, and Helen Bass break down Nervous System Regulation (Polyvagal Theory) in real life—especially for women of color. They talk morning routines, ancestral roots, and how grief/loss hits your body, not just your mind.Big themes: * healing isn’t solo—it’s community + family * grief stays, but you can still stay connected * therapy isn’t just “fixing problems,” it’s understanding your storyThey also get into:* generational trauma + ancestral wisdom * why healing takes time (no quick fixes fr) * trust, safety, and nervous system awareness in therapy * co-regulation = healing through real human connectionBasically: slow healing, deep roots, and learning your nervous system is key 🔑Links/Books Mentioned: Dr. Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/ Deb Dana Website: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/about Dr. Niloufer Merchant: https://www.nmmerchant.com/ Gina Kiem: https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/ Helen Bass Website: https://www.sincerepractice.com/ Meaning of Your Life Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Morning Reflections 03:03 Polyvagal Theory in Daily Life 06:01 Honoring Our Ancestors 08:45 The Importance of Family and Ancestral Connections 11:53 Understanding Loss and Its Impact on the Nervous System 14:58 Navigating Grief and Connection 18:09 The Role of Community in Healing 29:52 Navigating Loss and Connection 36:04 The Role of Nervous System in Therapy 49:16 Problem Solving in Therapy 54:14 Healing from Family Trauma 57:28 Understanding the Nervous System and Individual Profiles 58:20 The Slow Process of Healing and Understanding Trauma 01:00:13 Intergenerational Trauma and Its Impact 01:02:11 The Importance of Relationship in Therapy 01:04:52 Navigating Client Relationships and Trust 01:06:12 The Role of Patience in Therapy 01:09:36 Co-Regulation and Therapist's Own Nervous System Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters by Helen Bass at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 13m
  4. Why Your Asian Mom Never Talked About Postpartum & What It Cost Her | Healing the Tigress

    Mar 25

    Why Your Asian Mom Never Talked About Postpartum & What It Cost Her | Healing the Tigress

    This episode includes candid conversations about postpartum depression, anxiety, and cultural stigma around mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Postpartum Support International helpline is available at 1-800-944-4773. In many Asian households, mental health isn't something you talk about. You push through. You perform. And when motherhood breaks you open — you're expected to do that silently too.Today on The Sincere Practice Podcast, I sit down with Peggy and Jasmine — the hosts of Healing the Tigress, a podcast dedicated to AAPI maternal mental health. Peggy is a licensed clinical social worker and perinatal mental health therapist. Jasmine is a Doctor of Pharmacy. Both are certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). And both are Taiwanese American mothers who survived postpartum depression and anxiety.We talk about: 🐯 Why postpartum depression hits differently when your culture says "just be grateful" 🐯 The role of therapy AND medication in postpartum recovery🐯 Reparenting yourself while raising your own children 🐯 Breaking generational patterns in Asian American families 🐯 How Healing the Tigress is creating space for AAPI moms to heal 🎙️ Learn more about Healing the Tigress: 🔗 https://healingthetigress.buzzsprout.com/ 📌 Connect with The Sincere Practice:https://www.sincerepractice.com/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Healing the Tigress 01:00 The Journey into Podcasting 03:03 Understanding Postpartum Mental Health 06:05 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health 08:51 Cultural Perspectives on Therapy 11:46 Navigating Treatment and Healing 14:29 Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience 17:17 The Power of Friendship in Motherhood 22:10 The Blossoming of Friendship 25:44 Navigating Motherhood and Identity 30:29 Inner Work and Breaking Generational Patterns 39:30 Future Aspirations for Healing the Tigress #PostpartumDepression #MaternalMentalHealth #AAPImentalhealth #PerinatalMentalHealth #PostpartumAnxiety #Reparenting #AsianAmericanMoms #TherapyStigma #HealingTheTigress #MomMentalHealth #PostpartumRecovery #Motherhood #WomensHealth #MentalHealthAwareness Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters by Helen Bass at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    47 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

I’m Helen Bass, LCSW — a licensed therapist serving Asian women navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and the pressure to hold everything together. I talk about 3 things - Business, faith, and mental health - through an Asian immigrant woman’s lens. sincerepractice.substack.com