Beyond the Couch

Bridges Mental Health
  • 4.9 (16)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Beyond the Couch

Beyond the Couch is a podcast exploring the intersection of Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American (APISA) identity and mental health. Hosted by three therapists, Diana Liao, LMHC, Samantha Waldman, LMHC, and Christie Kim, LMHC, our mission is to demystify therapy and uplift stories from our community. Join us every Wednesday as we delve into essential topics from identity and perfectionism to courageous stories of healing and collective care with fellow therapists, experts, and community members. Beyond the Couch is a proud initiative of Bridges Mental Health, is a stigma-free hub for Asians, Pacific Islanders, and South Asian Americans (APISA) to discuss, navigate, and seek mental health care. Find a therapist, join our therapist community, and follow us on Instagram @bridgesmentalhealth.

  1. 09/25/2024

    Embracing the Mess: Reflecting on Season 3

    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 ment...

    15 min
  2. Finding Your Ikigai: A Healing Journey with Anna Li

    09/18/2024

    Finding Your Ikigai: A Healing Journey with Anna Li

    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...

    35 min

  3. 09/11/2024

    Returning to Korea and Rethinking Career Paths as a Korean-Born Adoptee with Kim

    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 res...

    45 min
  4. Letting Go of Certainty: Making Career Changes with Will Wang

    09/04/2024

    Letting Go of Certainty: Making Career Changes with Will Wang

    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, i...

    24 min
  5. Understanding Religious Trauma and Deconstructing Faith with Eugene Lee

    08/28/2024

    Understanding Religious Trauma and Deconstructing Faith with Eugene Lee

    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...

    42 min
  6. Exploring the Stars: Two Conversations with Astrologers Gwen Yi and Alice Sparkly Kat

    08/21/2024

    Exploring the Stars: Two Conversations with Astrologers Gwen Yi and Alice Sparkly Kat

    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 “Mer...

    1 hr
  7. Navigating Religion and Culture as a Muslim Therapist with Bisma Anwar

    08/14/2024

    Navigating Religion and Culture as a Muslim Therapist with Bisma Anwar

    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 belie...

    45 min
  8. Developing Spirituality for Therapists with Nat Strafaci

    08/07/2024

    Developing Spirituality for Therapists with Nat Strafaci

    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 anc...

    41 min
See All (126)

    4.9
    out of 5
    16 Ratings

    About

    Beyond the Couch is a podcast exploring the intersection of Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American (APISA) identity and mental health. Hosted by three therapists, Diana Liao, LMHC, Samantha Waldman, LMHC, and Christie Kim, LMHC, our mission is to demystify therapy and uplift stories from our community. Join us every Wednesday as we delve into essential topics from identity and perfectionism to courageous stories of healing and collective care with fellow therapists, experts, and community members. Beyond the Couch is a proud initiative of Bridges Mental Health, is a stigma-free hub for Asians, Pacific Islanders, and South Asian Americans (APISA) to discuss, navigate, and seek mental health care. Find a therapist, join our therapist community, and follow us on Instagram @bridgesmentalhealth.

    Information

    • Creator
      Bridges Mental Health
    • Years Active
      2021 - 2024
    • Episodes
      126
    • Rating
      Explicit
    • Copyright
      © 2025 Bridges Mental Health
    • Show Website
      Beyond the Couch

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