Below are blog posts I’ve written in the past, when the focus of my practice was intergenerational and relational trauma. While this still remains part of my overall focus, I wanted to hone in further on one specific aspect of intergenerational and relational trauma: estrangement. This more specific focus reflects the additional trainings and experiences I’ve had as a mental health therapist; they reflect my major passion/dedication as a mental health therapist.
“Fake it till ya make it”?
When we “fake it till we make it,” we have to minimize or silence our more vulnerable parts. This mimics a core attribute of trauma responses— forced abandonment of certain parts of ourselves in order to survive.
Things Happen for A Reason?
“Things happen for a reason.”
Oftentimes, we might have been told this after something terrible happens to us or the people/world around us. And sometimes, it can offer some relief from the pain that we and others are experiencing because…if we can say that something happened for a reason, then we can justify why it happened and thereafter, regain control to prevent it from happening again.
Culturally-Responsive Ways to Set Healthy Boundaries: Collectivist and Individualist Cultural Considerations
In collectivist cultures/less stringently individualistic cultures, we can have healthy boundaries. It just might look different than what dominant Western culture promotes.
What’s in a “healthy relationship”?
Undoubtedly, relationships/social connections can serve as powerful reminders that we are not alone when life gets rough. There’s an additional layer to this that is critical to consider and that is, whether or not the relationships/social connections we have and/or are seeking are healthy…In this blog post, I share 5 signs of a healthy relationship/social connection.
What depression can look and feel like; Considerations for Asian Americans, immigrants, and children of immigrants
Holding onto these conceptualizations of depression can help protect us in some ways from the shame/stigma associated with admitting that we’re struggling; that we need help. This shame/stigma can be especially pronounce among certain communities such as the Asian American community where bringing attention to ourselves alone is often discouraged; what’s more bringing attention to anything that can sever our family’s/community’s otherwise “good” reputation is unspeakable/strongly denounced.
What is “relational trauma”?
“Relational trauma” refers to the toll that overwhelming, and devastating experiences within relationships, especially close relationships, can have on us.
In this blog post, I share several examples of experiences that can lead to relational trauma. I also share some of the signs and symptoms of relational trauma.
What is “intergenerational trauma”?
In short, intergenerational trauma refers to trauma effects being passed on from one generation to another generation…and then passed onto another generation and so on and so forth.