Yellow Chair Collective: The Podcast

Therapists Megan Soun & Helen Garcia discuss the show 'Severance' and its relevance to mental health and work-life balance. They both share their personal journey with perfectionism and the impact of defining oneself by their job. Links Mentioned in Episode - Episode #36: Megan on Perfectionism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLY-NVsf75I&ab_channel=YellowChairCollective Episode #44: Megan on Body Image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLY-NVsf75I&ab_channel=YellowChairCollective "Good Enough Job" Book - https://www.amazon.com/Good-Enough-Job-Reclaiming-Life/dp/059353896X Takeaways The show 'Severance' provides an insightful commentary on work-life balance and the impact of work on mental health. Defining oneself by their job can lead to feelings of burnout, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the importance of a holistic view of self-worth. Healthy relationships can serve as a mirror for self-discovery and contribute to a more balanced perspective on personal identity and worth. The cultural emphasis on work and achievement influences individual perceptions of self-worth and the integration of work and personal life. Transitioning between work and personal life requires intentional practices and markers to create a healthy balance and separation. Diversifying one's identity and finding fulfillment outside of work is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Over-identifying with work can lead to a narrow sense of self and a skewed perception of personal worth. Skepticism of work as a new religion and the influence of community can shape one's perception of work and its role in life. Self-exploration and self-awareness are essential for understanding the impact of work on personal well-being and identity. Reflecting on self-worth and recognizing the goodness of oneself and others is a key aspect of personal growth and fulfillment. Chapters 00:00 Exploring 'Severance' and Work-Life Balance 08:01 Defining Self-Worth Beyond Work 13:42 The Role of Relationships in Shaping Identity 22:13 Transitioning and Integrating Work and Personal Life 29:09 Diversifying Identity and Finding Fulfillment 37:14 Skepticism of Work as a New Religion 42:21 Self-Exploration and Community Influence 44:47 Reflecting on Self-Worth and Goodness

Iris Chen discusses transitioning from coercive to compassionate parenting, focusing on self-awareness, mutual responsibility, and healing relational patterns. She emphasizes understanding needs behind behavior, healing through writing, and embracing imperfections in parenting. The discussion highlights the importance of intention, attunement, and self-compassion in raising children.

Helen talks to the "Happiest Pod on Earth" gals - Ariel Landrum, LMFT & Stef Bautista, MA about Sailor Moon! They also discuss the app 'Too Good to Go' to purchase leftover food from local businesses. The conversation also transitions into Ariel & Stef's friendship & using Disney in educational and mental health settings. Takeaways - Friendships can have a significant impact on personal growth and identity Using Disney in educational and mental health settings in schools! Sailor Moon explores themes of friendship, group dynamics, and coping with grief and loss Sailor Moon empowered women and allowed them to embrace different facets of femininity. Finding a healthy and supportive partner is important in relationships. Play is a vital tool in child development and problem-solving. It's important to embrace your uniqueness and not care about what others say. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Highs and Lows 01:31 Too Good to Go! 27:29 Coping with Grief and Loss in Sailor Moon 30:55 The Empowerment of Femininity in Sailor Moon 34:41 Navigating Relationships and Finding a Healthy Partner

Trigger Warning: Mention of sexual assault & violence. Resources below - Queer Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.tnlr.org/en/24-hour-hotline/ National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ Helen and Jack talk about Netflix's Heartstopper - how the show offers a glimpse into the innocence and unadulterated love that many queer adults never experienced in their teenage years. Takeaways Heartstopper highlights the importance of patience and self-discovery in navigating identity and coming out. Heartstopper addresses the impact of trauma and the struggle to believe in one's worthiness of love and support. The series provides a space for empathy, understanding, and healing. Heartstopper provides a rare portrayal of healthy queer relationships in a world full of rejection and violence. Therapy should encourage clients to discuss intersectionality and explore the complexities of their identities. Cultivating imagination is crucial for fostering hopefulness and envisioning a life worth living. Self-expression and authenticity require support and patience. The ability to make it through each day and trust oneself is a significant accomplishment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Heartstopper 09:36 Addressing Trauma and Self-Worth 32:53 Exploring Intersectionality and Representation 40:12 Encouraging Intersectionality in Therapy 48:09 The Power of Imagination in Fostering Hopefulness

Helen and Sarah discuss the animated series BoJack Horseman and its exploration of addiction, trauma, and identity. They highlight the show's depiction of addiction and self-destructive tendencies, as well as the cyclical nature of addiction and the challenges of overcoming substance use. Takeaways Recognize the importance of therapy in addressing mental health issues Cultivate self-awareness and embrace opportunities for personal growth Practice empathy and create non-judgmental spaces for others Understand the role of forgiveness and self-compassion in healing Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:03 Unpacking the Impact of Past Traumas 15:01 Navigating Celebrity Culture and the Search for Purpose 36:55 Empathy and Non-Judgmental Spaces

Angela Nguyen, MSW and Helen have a conversation about the hit show, "The Good Place". They discuss what it means to be a 'good person', working through guilt and shame, and the importance of growth and healing. Takeaways Being a good person is a complex and evolving concept that is influenced by our actions, intentions, and the impact on others. Childhood and environment play a significant role in shaping our understanding of what it means to be good. Growth and healing require effort, time, and support from others. Embracing change and cultivating healthy relationships are essential for personal and relational well-being. Society may be experiencing a lack of relational health due to high achievement orientation and a focus on individual success. Community care and support are essential for individual well-being and resilience. The loneliness epidemic is a result of increased social media use and lack of meaningful connections. Media, including shows like The Good Place, can help foster understanding and compassion for mental health. Self-compassion involves acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and making efforts to grow and rebuild trust. Being a good person is a complex journey that requires balancing individualism and collectivism. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Love for The Good Place 06:10 The Importance of Effort, Growth, and Healing 25:22 Community Care and Resilience 36:20 Self-Compassion and Growth 45:05 Balancing Individualism and Collectivism in Being a Good Person

What's Next for the Podcast? Welcoming Season 8 of Our Podcast, coming May 2024

In this episode, Helen Garcia interviews Alison Ly, LCSW, about the importance of setting boundaries. They discuss what boundaries are and how they can protect and preserve various aspects of our lives. Alison shares her personal struggles with boundaries and emphasizes that setting boundaries is an ongoing process. Follow Allison Ly, LCSW- Coaching Website: https://www.heyallisonly.com Therapy Practice: https://www.allisonlytherapy.com Instagram: @heyallisonly Takeaways Boundaries are anything that we feel can protect and preserve us, such as emotions, time, energy, and finances. Setting boundaries is an ongoing process and new situations may require adjustments. Boundaries can be set with others or internally, and it's important to prioritize self-care and personal needs. Zooming out, prioritizing, and filtering priorities can help maintain focus and balance in work and personal life. Reflective questions can help identify the root causes of boundary struggles, and it's important to address and process dark thoughts and emotions. Grief can have a significant impact on relationships, causing individuals to blame themselves and overcompensate to prove their worth. Healing from childhood patterns is essential for improving relationships and living a fulfilling life. Recognizing signs of readiness for healing, such as a desire for positive relationships and a willingness to change, is crucial. Creating boundaries and making space for personal needs is essential for self-care and sustaining healthy relationships. Indirect boundaries can be effective in certain situations, allowing individuals to prioritize their needs without explicitly stating them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:02 Understanding Boundaries 05:29 Boundaries in the Context of Work 07:12 Setting Boundaries as a Parent 09:15 Zooming Out and Prioritizing 11:48 Identifying Signs of Boundary Crossings 13:05 Planning and Goal Setting 14:20 Filtering Priorities 19:46 Reflective Questions for Boundary Keeping 21:52 Dealing with Dark Thoughts and Emotions 22:10 The Impact of Grief on Relationships 23:47 Longing and Grief 24:27 Healing from Childhood Patterns 25:42 Signs of Readiness for Healing 27:10 The Challenge of Changing Others 28:19 Making Space for Personal Needs 29:12 The Journey of Self-Reflection 30:01 Saying No and Creating Boundaries 31:29 Understanding Personal Needs 32:15 The Importance of Self-Care 34:43 The Course on Setting Boundaries 36:36 Reframing Guilt and Self-Hatred 37:21 Having Boundary Conversations 39:16 Indirect Boundaries and Communication 42:11 Reflecting on Personal Boundaries

In this conversation, therapist Robyn Tamanaha discusses her experience and expertise in working with OCD and bipolar disorder. She provides advice for individuals going into therapy and addresses common misconceptions about these conditions. They also delve into the topic of burnout and share personal experiences and strategies for avoiding and recovering from burnout. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Plans 01:36 Background and Specialties 04:04 Advice for Therapy 06:30 Misconceptions about OCD and Bipolar 09:28 Misdiagnosis and Differentiating OCD and Bipolar 13:36 Treatment Options for OCD and Bipolar 17:06 Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy 19:02 Client Reactions to Diagnosis 22:45 Creating a Safe Space for Clients 25:15 Early Career Experiences 28:50 Sustaining Energy and Self-Care 35:02 The Dangers of Reckless Driving 35:38 Taking Action and Avoiding Burnout 36:37 Physical Signs of Burnout 38:22 Creating Routines and Self-Care Practices 39:22 Personal Experience with Burnout 40:16 Recognizing the Check Engine Light 41:18 The Pressure to Succeed 42:09 Finding Balance and Nurturing Other Aspects of Life 43:48 The Importance of Community and Connection 46:08 Stepping Outside of Comfort Zones 50:45 Lessons to Leave Behind Work with Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT - https://www.robyntamanahatherapy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/robyntamanahatherapy/?hl=en

Therapist Mina Yoon discusses growing up with an emotionally immature parent and late ADHD diagnosis. Topics include setting boundaries, shame, ADHD validation, and preserving relationships. Insights on Asian family dynamics, cultural influences on boundaries, and the impact of complex trauma. Emphasis on self-reflection, self-compassion, and the common traits of ADHD, such as hyper-focus.