F*ck Saving Face
If you’re an Asian-American who grew up learning that you had to “save face” and be a “good girl,” let’s remove all the guilt, shame, and taboos to talk about the things we weren’t given permission to explore. Rather than upholding the “model minority” standard, let’s redefine what it means to be strong, courageous, and bold in a brave new world. Let’s finally have a voice after being the silent generation for too long. Join me, your host, Judy Tsuei, every week as I explore mental, emotional and physical health like never before, telling it like it is. We might shock the generation before us, but hopefully, you and I will create a more conscious way of being for the generation after us. Wherever you are in celebrating your Asian-ness, I got you. Let’s roar together. More at www.wildheartedwords.com/podcast.
F*ck Saving Face
Episode 109: How Can We Redefine Health and Wellness in Asian American Culture? With Soo Jin Lee, LMFT & Linda Yoon, LCSW.
Ever think about how much more powerful culturally competent therapy is for people of color?
In this episode, I interview Asian American women authors and therapists, Susan Lee and Linda Yoon — they're the co-directors of the Yellow Chair Collective and co-authors of "Where I Belong: Healing Trauma and Embracing Asian American Identity."
The Yellow Chair Collective is a mental health sanctuary that champions culturally competent therapy for the Asian American community. We dive deep into the complexities of healing trauma, embracing our Asian American identities, and the transformative power of art and storytelling.
Here's a sneak peek of the treasures we uncovered:
🎨 The Art of Language: Soo Jin Lee shared her journey from feeling voiceless due to language barriers to expressing herself through art, and eventually, writing a book. It's a testament to the power of creativity in finding one's voice.
🧠 ADHD and Identity: Linda opened up about her late diagnosis of ADHD, challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions about neurodivergence, especially in Asian communities. Her story is a beacon of hope for anyone feeling misunderstood.
🏠 Building a Collective: We discuss the birth of the Yellow Chair Collective, a mental health sanctuary that champions culturally competent therapy for the Asian American community. It's about creating a space where our stories are heard and validated.
🔄 Unlearning to Relearn: We challenge ingrained beliefs, set healthy boundaries, and redefine what health and wellness mean within our cultural contexts.
💔 Breaking the Cycle: We explore the importance of authenticity and community in dismantling the cultural norm of 'saving face.' It's about being true to ourselves and supporting each other in that journey.
This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, eye-opening insights, and a whole lot of soul. It's not just a podcast episode — it's a movement towards a more understanding and compassionate world.
If you're curious to learn more, if you're seeking connection, or if you just need a reminder that your story matters, tune in to the latest episode. Let's make our stories beautiful together!
And remember, your support is the heartbeat of this show. If you find value in our conversations, please consider leaving a review on iTunes. It helps more than you know.
Until next time, stay connected and sign up for my weekly newsletter at wildheartedwords.com – it's a little burst of thoughtfulness I'm told is the highlight of many inboxes.
Order an early copy of "How to Disappoint Your Parents in 10 Shameless Steps: A Modern Asian American Guide" via Kickstarter: bit.ly/shamelessbook.
LIKE WHAT YOU HEARD?
Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! It helps our message get in front of more people. Here's how:
Step 1: Go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1554330617
Step 2: Click “View on Apple Podcasts”
Step 3: Click “Ratings and Reviews”
Step 4: Click to rate and leave a short review!