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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In this two-part episode, Diana delves into the fascinating world of astrology with two practitioners, Gwen Yi and Alice Sparkly Kat.

In part 1, Diana chats with Gwen Yi, who explores the myths and misconceptions surrounding Western astrology, especially in her home country of Malaysia. Gwen shares what it's like to receive a reading with her, emphasizing the sacred space she creates for her clients. She shares insights into the deeper levels of astrology, archetypes, the true meaning of “Mercury in retrograde,” and how astrology can be a powerful tool for mental health and self-acceptance. Discover the differences between Western and Eastern astrology and learn how to work with your fundamental nature, rather than trying to change it.

In part 2 (~32:37), Diana is joined by Alice Sparkly Kat, who broadens our understanding of astrology by integrating traditional and modern techniques from various cultural perspectives, including a unique Chinese form of astrology. Alice explores the intersections of astrology, mental health, and personality theory, offering astrology as a tool for play, exploration, and deconstructing symbols. They also discuss queer astrology and the differences between working with an astrologer and a therapist. Plus, get tips on how to prepare for an astrology reading and dive into the rich philosophical traditions that astrology offers across different cultures.

Gwen Yi (she/her) is a writer, coach and astrologer based in Malaysia. She graduated from Debra Silverman’s applied astrology school and currently serves clients globally from her humble Zoom office as @TheAsianAstrologer. In a previous life, Gwen was an award winning entrepreneur and empathy trainer, servicing clients like the Obama Foundation and giving TED talks. These days, she spends her days looking up at the stars and talking about them. Connect with Gwen on Instagram @TheAsianAstrologer, Substack: The Asian Astrologer, and theasianastrologer.com

Alice Sparkly Kat (they/them) is an astrologer. Their goal is to practice astrology by reconstructing history, interpreting the present, and nurturing the future. They are the author of Postcolonial Astrology, a book that serves as a history of astrology from a post-colonial perspective which is intersectional, inclusive, and geared towards queer and POC communities. Connect with Alice on Instagram @alicesparklykat and alicesparklykat.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.
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Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
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This week, Christie chats with Bisma Anwar, a Muslim therapist who shares her journey in the mental health field and her dedication to reducing mental health stigma within the Muslim community. Bisma discusses how her dual identities as a Muslim and therapist influence her work with a diverse range of clients. She explores the intersection of religious teachings and South Asian cultural traditions, and highlights the importance of differentiating between cultural practices and religious beliefs. Bisma also delves into helping families navigate intergenerational challenges, communication, boundaries, and the balance between individual autonomy and family expectations. Lastly, Bisma provides valuable insights for non-Muslim therapists working with Muslim clients and offers guidance for Muslim clients seeking the right therapist.

Bisma Anwar (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has been a mental health therapist for over a decade. Her work experiences have been in hospitals, non-profits, mental health clinics, and digital mental health startups. Throughout her career she has worked with community based organizations, spoken at panels, done workshops and webinars to provide education and awareness of various mental health issues. Bisma is also the co-founder of Moxie Living, a forum that organizes wellness retreats for women. Their upcoming retreat is in October and will take place in Paris. For more details please go to their website. Connect with Bisma on her website and Instagram @therappuccino

Resources for connecting with Muslim therapists:

• Muslim Therapist Directory
• Muslim Association for Psychological Services (MAPS)
• Inclusive Therapists
• South Asian Therapists

Keywords: Muslim Therapist, Faith and Mental Health, Cultural Identity, South Asian Traditions, Religious Abuse, Family Dynamics, Spiritual Well-being, Therapy Stigma, Intergenerational Patterns.

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 Therapist
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Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
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This week, Sam is joined by Nat Strafaci, a licensed therapist, clinical supervisor, psychic medium, and spiritual herbalist, who shares their perspective on spirituality as a journey rather than a therapy ‘modality’. Nat offers insights into how colonialism has disrupted connections to spiritual and indigenous practices, and together they discuss how many modern therapeutic approaches are deeply rooted in spiritual traditions. Nat discusses the transformative power of connecting to one’s ancestral lineage, and how the body serves as a place of connection with ancestors. Together, Nat and Sam share their experiences of developing a spiritual lens as therapists, and how learning their own family history has deepened their connection with themselves and their ancestors, enriching their work as therapists.

Nat Strafaci (they/them) is a licensed therapist, clinical supervisor, psychic medium, and spiritual herbalist living and working on Lenape and Yokuts land. Their private practice, Sunshadow Healing, centers the healing of Queer and Trans People of Color at the intersection of spirituality and mental health. They are also currently facilitating Intuition Immersive: A 12 Week Course for Intuitive Development, Practice, and Process. Connect with Nat on Instagram @sunshadowhealing

Applications for enrollment into the Fall 2024 cohort of Intuition Immersive are opening this week. This 12-week immersive serves as a container to explore, practice, and process what living a more intuitive life can look and feel like. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit https://www.sunshadowhealing.com/workshops-events

Mentioned in this episode:

• It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn

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 Therapist
Join our Clinician Community

Write to us with comments & questions, we'd love to hear from you.
@bridgesmentalhealth
bridgesmentalhealthnyc@gmail.com
buymeacoffee.com/bridgesmh