Aging is a natural part of life, but when it begins to affect our parents, it can feel particularly disorienting and overwhelming. For many adult children, especially within Asian communities, navigating a parent’s aging process can bring up deep emotional responses, cultural expectations, and sometimes,
By Helen Garcia, Filipina American Therapist & Storyteller In a recent clip, director Celine Song shared something that stopped me in my tracks. Before creating her upcoming film Materialists, she worked as a professional matchmaker in New York City. Her job? Helping people find love.
Mental health in Asian American communities is complex, layered, and often silenced. For generations, many Asian families have internalized the belief that emotional expression is a sign of weakness—or worse, selfishness. Mental illness is not named; it is hidden behind phrases like “just tired,” “too
If you know, you know. Being the eldest daughter in an Asian American family isn’t just about birth order—it’s a role, a responsibility, a quiet contract you never signed but somehow agreed to the moment you took your first breath. From an early age, you
Being the eldest daughter in an immigrant family comes with distinct and often overwhelming expectations. In a recent conversation led by therapists Linda Yoon and Soo Jin Lee with Israa Nasir, we explore these dynamics and offer guidance on understanding and managing this experience. Understanding
It can be complicated to manage relationship dynamics between siblings in a typical family. When one family member is neurodivergent, this can add complexity to the family dynamics and roles. While neurodivergence certainly affects the family member themselves, it can also affect the other members
In a world that often prioritizes tradition over flexibility, navigating neurodivergence during the holidays can be particularly stressful. The holiday season can also highlight the complexities of family dynamics—especially for families navigating neurodivergence. Angela Nguyen, a therapist specializing in ADHD and neurodivergent family systems, shares
The holidays often bring families together, creating opportunities for meaningful connection. But for many, this time can also highlight emotional struggles, especially for those navigating depression or other mental health challenges. Broaching these topics with family members can feel daunting, but open and supportive conversations
For people with loving families where everyone just somehow gets along, the holidays is usually something to look forward to that brings a smile to your face thinking about the fun, love and laughter usually shared over a table of warm, delicious food. If this
When one generation has experienced major historical events such as war, genocide, slavery, colonization, systemic oppression or personal traumas such as migration, abuse, neglect, or poverty, its impacts can be felt in subsequent generations even if that generation has no direct experience of these events.
