In this episode, Poh is joined by Vi-An Nguyen, an organisational psychologist and founder of An Tam Coaching and Psychology in Melbourne. Vi-An works with adults from diverse cultural backgrounds who are navigating burnout, cultural identity, family expectations, work stress and the complex layers of intergenerational experience. This conversation explores the intersection of psychology, Buddhism, cultural wisdom, embodiment and self-trust. Vi-An shares her experience of growing up culturally Buddhist in a Vietnamese family, reconnecting with Buddhist teachings as an adult, and finding meaning in simple rituals such as bowing, prayer, ancestor connection and mindful awareness. She reflects on how Buddhism has become a way of “coming home” — to herself, to her body, and to the wisdom passed down through her lineage. Together, Poh and Vi-An explore the experience of being a second-generation migrant in Australia, including the tension between filial piety, gratitude, family expectations and personal autonomy. They discuss the pressure many children of migrants feel to choose “safe” careers, be high-achieving, and honour parental sacrifice — while also learning to listen to their own body, intuition and values. Vi-An also speaks openly about her experience of burnout, IBS symptoms, and how reconnecting with her body helped her make significant life and career changes. This leads into a broader discussion about holistic health, ancestral wisdom, intergenerational healing, and how therapists from diverse cultural backgrounds can continue to do their own reflective work while supporting clients with similar experiences. This episode is a gentle invitation to slow down, listen inwardly, and remember that wisdom may already be present — in the body, in our cultural roots, in our ancestors, and in the quiet moments when we allow ourselves to be still. In this episode, we explore: Vi-An’s journey from organisational psychology and consulting into counselling and private practiceWhat it means to grow up culturally Buddhist in a Vietnamese familyReconnecting with Buddhist teachings as an adultThe role of ritual, prayer, bowing and ancestor connection in everyday lifeMindfulness as a foundation for emotional regulation, self-trust and values-based livingThe Buddhist teaching of non-attachment and how it can support clients in therapyVi-An’s metaphor of loosening the grip on the steering wheelBurnout, IBS and learning to listen to the bodyThe experience of living between collectivist and individualistic culturesFilial piety, family pressure, guilt and shame in second-generation migrant experiencesChoosing a career path against family expectationsCultural identity, family wounds and healing as therapistsIntergenerational trauma and intergenerational wisdomPatriarchy, racial hierarchies, systemic stress and embodied wellbeingWhy community and connection matter in preventing burnoutHow women of colour and therapists from culturally diverse backgrounds can practise self-trustThe importance of coming back to the basics: stillness, presence and inner wisdomAbout Vi-An Vi-An Nguyen is an organisational psychologist and founder of An Tâm Coaching and Psychology in Melbourne, where she works with adults from diverse backgrounds navigating burnout, cultural identity, and family pressure. With a background in consulting and community health, she's drawn to what's underneath the surface; how culture, family, and identity shape our health and wellbeing. She's passionate about holistic health and looking at the bigger picture - exploring where psychology and cultural wisdom actually meet. Connect with Vi-An Instagram: @antampsychology Website: https://www.antampsychology.com/ Connect with your host, Poh Gan I’m a clinical psychologist, educational & developmental psychologist and board-approved supervisor specialising in neurodiversity-affirming care and cultural identity. Outside of work, I am a buddhist practitioner with a deep love in meditation and learning to walk the Bodhisattva path. Instagram: the.blossoming.therapists Website: www.blossomingtrueself.com.au If this episode resonated: Leave a review on Apple PodcastsShare with a colleague or friend in the Asian diasporaTag us on Instagram with your reflectionsSubscribe for more conversations with therapists on application of Buddhist and contemplative wisdom in work and personal lives. Disclaimer: The content discussed in this podcast is for inspiration and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy or clinical supervision, and our time together does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. Please seek professional support if you are in need. Let us know what you took away from this conversation! Bodhi Inner Path Circle is a contemplative membership community for therapists who long for a regular, supportive, spiritually grounded place to practise meditation, learn Buddha‑Dharma in reflective practice, and connect with dharma friends. It is currently open for enrolment! 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