Beyond the Couch

Embracing the Mess: Reflecting on Season 3

In the season three finale, Sam, Diana and Christie reflect on the revamped structure and behind-the-scenes experience of producing this season. They share standout moments, express gratitude for the incredible guests, and discuss the central theme that arose over the season: embracing the messy, questioning, and uncomfortable moments that create the process of growth.  Bridges Mental Health connects Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian Americans (APISA) with culturally responsive mental health professionals and resources. We hope to make mental health care more accessible and approachable across the Asian diaspora.Find a TherapistJoin our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.@bridgesmentalhealthbridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.combuymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Finding Your Ikigai: A Healing Journey with Anna Li

This week, Diana chats with Anna, the visionary behind Healing Journey Retreats, who shares her powerful mental health journey and the transformative steps she took to reclaim her sense of purpose. Anna opens up about her experience being laid off from a high-stress tech job, struggling with toxic workplace environments, and feeling disconnected from her true calling. As a Chinese Canadian, she also touches on the pressure of security, the scarcity mindset, and how she took a leap of faith to prioritize her mental well-being. Anna discusses how travel exposed her to alternative ways of living and entrepreneurship, igniting her passion for creating retreats focused on mental wellness. From navigating stigma around mental health to opening up conversations with her parents about her struggles, Anna offers heartfelt advice and creative tips for others looking to do the same.Introducing Anna (she/her), the passionate visionary behind Healing Journey Retreats. With a decade of experience in the tech industry, she knows firsthand the pressures and challenges that can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Her own journey of mental health recovery led her to a transformative path. Seeking solace in travel, Airbnb hosting, therapy, yoga, and art, these became her steadfast companions through the ups and downs of life. It was a three-month sojourn in the tropical paradise of Tulum, Mexico, that acted as a powerful catalyst. The sun, the ocean, the vibrant culture, and the enriching experiences there breathed new life into her body and mind, significantly shortening her battle with depression.This transformative experience prompted Anna to channel her personal healing journey into a 7-night retreat experience, envisioned to guide others toward healing and self-discovery, just as it had for her. Her mission is to provide a safe space for individuals to rejuvenate, find inner balance, and discover the transformative power of mindfulness and neuroscience. Connect with Anna on Instagram @healingjourneyretreats and anna@thehealingjourneyretreats.com Bridges Mental Health connects Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian Americans (APISA) with culturally responsive mental health professionals and resources. We hope to make mental health care more accessible and approachable across the Asian diaspora.Find a TherapistJoin our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.@bridgesmentalhealthbridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.combuymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Returning to Korea and Rethinking Career Paths as a Korean-Born Adoptee with Kim

This week, Christie reconnects with Kim who courageously recounts her trip back to Korea. As a Korean-born adoptee, Kim opens up about the challenges she faced—from unrealistic expectations and language barriers to the emotional rollercoaster of navigating an international adoption agency. They dive deep into themes of heartbreak, anger, and healing, discussing the complex realities of Korean adoptee experiences as well as the impact of saviorism and religion. Kim reflects on how the trip reshaped her friendships, her career in mental health, and her sense of identity, as well as offers tips for those who may be considering a similar trip or their own.Listen to our first episode with Kim “Therapists in Therapy with Kim” on Apple / Spotify.Kim (she/her) is a licensed social worker, who identifies as Korean American. She provides psychotherapy in non-profit and private practice settings to encourage and help others find their voice.Mentioned in this episode:Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link (G.O.A.’L.) Bridges Mental Health connects Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian Americans (APISA) with culturally responsive mental health professionals and resources. We hope to make mental health care more accessible and approachable across the Asian diaspora.Find a TherapistJoin our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.@bridgesmentalhealthbridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.combuymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Letting Go of Certainty: Making Career Changes with Will Wang

To kick off this month’s theme of career and work, this week Diana chats with Will Wang about giving himself permission to leave his corporate career in pursuit of becoming a therapist. Will reflects upon always being the ‘good kid’ or guāi, and how these expectations shaped his identity and career choices. He opens up about the pivotal moments that sparked his interest in therapy, and encouragement he received from mentors along the way. Together they delve into the mental blocks he faced, including fears around sharing the decision with his parents as their eldest child. Will discusses the liberating yet terrifying process of applying to graduate programs as well as learning to let go of certainty as he pursues a new path.Will Wang (he/him) is a 2nd-generation Taiwanese-Korean-American, and aspiring therapist. He currently works in global public health focused on epidemic preparedness and response and is in the process of a big career change. His hope is to serve as a healer for populations across the diaspora. Connect with Will at wangwill84@gmail.com Bridges Mental Health connects Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian Americans (APISA) with culturally responsive mental health professionals and resources. We hope to make mental health care more accessible and approachable across the Asian diaspora.Find a TherapistJoin our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.@bridgesmentalhealthbridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.combuymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh

Understanding Religious Trauma and Deconstructing Faith with Eugene Lee

This week, Christie is joined by Eugene Lee in exploring the complex intersection of faith, culture, and mental health within the Asian American community. They discuss the role of the church as a cultural community center for Asian Americans and immigrants, as well as the interplay of Asian American culture, Confucian ideals, and perfectionism. Eugene shares his personal evolution from being a young pastor and now a therapist, offering insights into how religious and spiritual trauma, purity culture, and black-and-white thinking impact mental health. Finally, we explore how Eugene helps clients deconstruct their beliefs, revisit their relationship with faith, and honor their unique spiritual paths.Eugene Lee (he/him) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, residing in New York City. Connect with Eugene via email at eugene@counselingwitheugene.com or his website www.counselingwitheugene.com Bridges Mental Health connects Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian Americans (APISA) with culturally responsive mental health professionals and resources. We hope to make mental health care more accessible and approachable across the Asian diaspora.Find a TherapistJoin our Clinician Community Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.@bridgesmentalhealthbridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.combuymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh