My growing up in collectivist cultures in Southern California has offered some insight into the identity formation for many Asian American females. The individualist, capitalist culture of this country may cause conflict for many collectivist people as they transition into adulthood. It's a concept many professionals may confuse as unhealthy boundaries or enmeshment within one's family system, but when working with each person in therapy, a new culture and definition of normal must be explored.
Read moreA Personal Reminder:
I was on FaceBook and saw a post about a gorgeous singer who admitted to believing she was ugly and undesirable as a young adult. She looked back at past images and realized how attractive she's always been, and discovered how detrimental negative thoughts can be. These damaging thoughts repeated in her mind for decades, yet outsiders would never have thought that she could feel so dark and lonely on the inside.
Read moreMental Illness: What is it to you?
If someone asked you what mental illness was to you, what would you say? How would you answer such a question? To be asked has so many implications. Does the person think you have a mental illness? Do you even feel comfortable or informed enough to answer correctly? If someone asked me right now, I would hope the following words could help give mental illnes, mental wellness, some substance or an image to understand.
Read morethe Hippo Went Across the Campus to the Library
The hippocampus is a structure in the brain that is shaped like a seahorse. Learning and memory formation occurs in the hippocampus (memories are stored everywhere, but the hippocampus plays a major role in memory formation)--past studies with mice have indicated how stress can inhibit this process.
Read more10 Ways to Promote Creativity
10 ways to promote creativity, Image: Abstract Colored Powder Explosion Background by Jakubgojda for Canva Pro
Adult responsibilities aren't always fun--there's work, bills, relationships, health and wellness concerns, and long-term concerns as well. The work week sometimes feels like it'll never end, while the weekend never seems to be long enough. In between these hours, a person is expected to keep a home clean and organized. The expectations to balance countless responsibilities can get overwhelming fast. Sometimes it can feel chaotic when the house is messy and there's just too many loads of laundry to wash, dirty dishes to clean, and mouths to feed. The pressures to do everything perfectly can add lots of stress to a person's life. What if this stressed person decided to clean less often?
Read more8 Benefits of School Counseling
I'm starting my second year with Outreach Concern, a non-profit agency that offers school-based counseling services for several districts in Los Angeles and Orange County. Since 1994 over 500,000 students and their families have been supported with educational or social skills training, emotional support, or community outreach through direct services.
Read moreVeterans & PTSD
I greatly admire and appreciate the work our men and women in uniform have done for this nation. These selfless individuals have devoted a lifetime to protect and serve. Some family and many friends have served, and continue to serve in the armed forces. I have a special interest in promoting quality mental wellness access and healing to returning veterans.
Read moreIt's Really Really Hard to Ask for Help
Life is hard! Sometimes it's easier to believe that we may not have a choice in life. That may be true for certain events--there is no way a person could control the weather or how damaging natural disasters can be--the event itself is uncontrollable, but what about our emotional responses to them?
Read more10 Benefits & 10 Negatives of Video Games
Online video games may assist people in gaining confidence, increasing leadership/team skills and trying out new identities. In Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs), collaborations can range from two to twenty players at a time. In order for mission completion, individuals must be able to communicate and carry out instructions as a team for mutual gains. Working together increases awareness of others as well as emotional regulation skills. When a group fails together, it may get frustrating, but success as a team also increases cohesion and a stronger sense of community. Being able to communicate effectively, especially through difficult situations, is an important skill that can be developed through online gaming.
Read morePlay: Is it Important for Children?
With our increased connection and dependence on technology, it may seem more of a hassle to make time for kids to play. A common perception of play is that it is a waste of time where academics or rote memorization would be more beneficial. Play, academics and memorization all serve a purpose, yet play is more beneficial than many may think. According to Siegel (2012) and Axline (1981) play is the natural language of children. This concept makes more sense when thinking of young children who are first discovering their worlds.
Read more