Sincere Practice Podcast

Helen Bass
  • 5.0 (7)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Each week, I share reflections, lessons, and real behind-the-scenes from my journey as a therapist—unlearning perfectionism, navigating identity, and building a private practice while embracing messy, in-progress growth. sincerepractice.substack.com

  1. Why Women of Color Carry Stress Differently, According to Therapists

    3D AGO

    Why Women of Color Carry Stress Differently, According to Therapists

    🤍 Hey girlies! This episode explains how body-based healing (like polyvagal theory) can be used in therapy that respects culture and identity. Guests Gina Kiem and Dr. Neela Fur talk about feeling safe in different spaces, code switching, and simple practices that help women of color feel more grounded, connected, and supported. Resources from Dr. Niloufer Merchant - Here are the links to both articles by Elana Curtis and colleagues: 2025 article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12063315/ 2019 article https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12939-019-1082-3 Follow Dr. Niloufer: https://www.nmmerchant.com/ Follow Gina Kiem: https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/ Follow Helen on All Socials/Website - https://bio.site/helenbass Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory and Cultural Competence 04:34 Personal Experiences with Polyvagal Theory 09:51 Cultural Contexts and Personal Backgrounds 15:15 Navigating Cultural Practices and Co-Regulation 20:39 The Impact of Code Switching and Allostatic Load 34:26 Navigating Subtle Cues and Allostatic Load 37:45 Cultural Specificity in Therapeutic Practices 43:46 Cultural Safety and Power Dynamics 50:36 Embodied Practices and Nervous System Awareness 59:24 The Intersection of Polyvagal Theory and Cultural Context Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 9m
  2. 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 at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    47 min
  3. Therapist BTS: Real Growth Behind Closed Doors

    MAR 19

    Therapist BTS: Real Growth Behind Closed Doors

    Hey y'all, Helen here, sharing a casual chat about my journey in therapy. This episode dives into the challenges of "personal growth" as a therapist, emphasizing the constant need for "self improvement" in our "mindset." It's crucial for "mental health" professionals to address these areas, ensuring we provide the best possible "therapy" and foster our own "professional growth." I truly believe this conversation is important for everyone to hear. Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    12 min
  4. Creativity as Survival & Domestic Abuse Can Look Like This Too | Stephanie Prom & Helen Bass

    MAR 17

    Creativity as Survival & Domestic Abuse Can Look Like This Too | Stephanie Prom & Helen Bass

    ⚠️ Content Note: This episode discusses domestic violence, financial abuse, and gender-based violence. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 When we think about domestic violence, we don't always think about money. But financial abuse is one of the most common — and least recognized — forms of control in relationships. In this episode of The Sincere Practice Podcast, licensed therapist Helen Bass sits down with Stephanie Prom, Musician & Project Manager at FreeFrom, a national survivor-led organization on a mission to build a world free from gender-based violence. Stephanie shares her personal journey — from LA-born daughter of refugee survivors, to music and arts nonprofits, to the front lines of gender-based violence prevention. Together, they explore how creativity and resilience fuel social change, what financial abuse actually looks like, and why community is the foundation of survivor empowerment. In This Episode: 00:00 The Role of Music in Creativity 02:29 Journey into Gender-Based Violence Advocacy 05:30 Creativity and Resilience from Immigrant Experiences 08:45 Unlearning Societal Norms and Embracing Heritage 11:30 Balancing Work and Personal Life in Nonprofits 14:30 The Importance of Time and Trust in Work 17:34 Finding Peace Amidst Chaos 20:19 The Impact of Good Work on Community 23:19 Mental Health and Self-Care in Advocacy Work 29:32 Embracing Purpose and Community Impact 31:13 Creating Safe Spaces for Women's Mental Health 33:57 Redefining Survivor Narratives 38:39 Understanding Systemic Barriers to Safety 42:02 Collective Change and Survivor Empowerment 46:21 Taking Action: Resources and SupportResources Mentioned: 🔗 FreeFrom: https://www.freefrom.org/ 🔗 Tuesday Night Cafe: https://www.tuesdaynightproject.org/ 🔗 Sincere Practice: https://www.sincerepractice.com/ Connect with Helen Bass, LCSW: 🌐 Website: https://www.sincerepractice.com/ 📱 Subscribe for more conversations on mental health, relationships, faith, and motherhood. #financialabuse #domesticviolence #genderbasedviolence #coercivecontrol #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #relationships #survivorempowerment #therapist #podcast Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    56 min
  5. Being an Emotionally Safe Partner Starts with This

    MAR 12

    Being an Emotionally Safe Partner Starts with This

    Emotional safety isn’t something that just happens in relationships — it’s a skill that must be practiced. In this episode, Helen Bass explains how building safety with others begins with managing your own nervous system, recognizing triggers, and responding intentionally rather than reactively. We discuss how self-awareness, boundaries, and reflection help create relationships where people can feel secure, heard, and respected. Links Work with Helen: https://www.sincerepractice.com/ Read the Newsletter: https://sincerepractice.substack.com/ Chapters 00:00 Understanding Emotional Safety 05:39 The Role of the Nervous System 11:20 Creating Space for Reflection 16:31 Practical Steps to Emotional Safety Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    17 min
  6. Do I Allow Past Family Patterns to Dictate my Current Choices? w/ Therapists Gina Kiem & Helen Bass

    FEB 27

    Do I Allow Past Family Patterns to Dictate my Current Choices? w/ Therapists Gina Kiem & Helen Bass

    In this insightful conversation, Gina Kiem, an expert in trauma, attachment, cultural identity, and spirituality, offers a reflective space for viewers. This discussion provides clarity and fosters greater self-awareness, contributing to overall mental health awareness. Her unique perspective helps individuals navigate complex relationships and encourages significant personal growth. Links Work with Gina (Maryland) - https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/ Work with Helen (California) - https://www.sincerepractice.com/ Learn more about Polyvagal Theory: https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheory Listen to Podcast about Polyvagal Theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWVgXQKrqQ4 Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Mission: Sincere Practice 11:21 Living Inside the Body vs. Being Aware of It 22:12 Navigating Family Dynamics and Ancestral Influence 32:54 Navigating Personal Experiences in Therapy 37:53 The Importance of Nervous System Awareness 45:05 Cultural Differences in Love and Money 56:09 Patterns in Relationships and Attachment Styles 01:02:27 The Impact of Modern Dating on Relationships 01:08:20 Building Trust and Safety in Long-Term Relationships 01:14:57 Understanding Change and Expansion in Relationships 01:20:54 The Role of Boundaries and Authenticity in Relationships Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 32m
  7. The Real Reason I Chose This Career as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist

    FEB 24

    The Real Reason I Chose This Career as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist

    Like many therapists I know, I found myself in a therapist’s office long before I ever became a licensed clinician. I was there because I was 18, lost, and running out of resources. Learn more about Sincere Practice: https://www.sincerepractice.com/ Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    4 min
  8. Leaving My Stable Job Forced Me to Face My Biggest Fear

    FEB 17

    Leaving My Stable Job Forced Me to Face My Biggest Fear

    On January 30, 2025, I walked away from a stable job — not out of ambition, but as an act of faith. What felt like loss became an invitation to confront where my security truly rested and to step into a quieter, deeper curiosity about the future. If you’re standing at a threshold in your career, marriage, or faith, this is a reflection on what it means to choose trust over control. Work with Helen: https://www.sincerepractice.com/ Subscribe to Newsletter: https://sincerepractice.substack.com/ Time Stamps 00:00 The Leap of Faith: Starting Sincere Practice 03:10 Navigating the First Week: Challenges and Insights 05:57 Redefining Purpose: From Creativity to Relationships Get full access to Sincere Practice Letters at sincerepractice.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Each week, I share reflections, lessons, and real behind-the-scenes from my journey as a therapist—unlearning perfectionism, navigating identity, and building a private practice while embracing messy, in-progress growth. sincerepractice.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Helen Bass
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Helen Bass
  • Show Website
    Sincere Practice Podcast