In this episode, we delve into the complexities of our identities as Hmong-Americans.  We ask the challenging question: is it possible to truly reach a level of self-actualization where we can fully embrace every part of ourselves—our cultural roots, our values, our history—and live our best, most authentic lives? We reflect on whether it’s achievable to find a harmonious balance between honoring our past and carving out our own individual path in a world that often asks us to choose one identity over another. This episode will explore these themes with the hope of sparking a deeper understanding of how we can navigate our personal journeys towards self-acceptance, empowerment, and fulfillment.

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In the Hmong community, our worth is often defined by the roles we carry within relationships and through collective values.  It is often based on the external validation we receive from others.  Knowing our own self-worth can feel conflicting and confusing as we try to balance both the collective and individualistic parts of our identities.  In this episode, we explore what knowing our self-worth might look like for Hmong-Americans and how individuals can navigate the challenging demands of biculturalism. 

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What is trauma to the Hmong?  This episode explores trauma at the historical level, the intergenerational level, and the individual level through the lens of Hmong culture.  It also discusses what healing from trauma might look like for the Hmong community as a collective, within families, and for the self. 

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Attachment theories emphasize the importance of the emotional bond between a young child and their primary caregivers.  The quality of these attachments affects the child’s sense of self, both individually and within relationships.  In this episode, Chue Her, LMFT and the team discuss the different attachment styles and why they are critical to a person’s sense of security, self-worth, and future relationships.  They also explore the changing dynamics of this in Hmong families. Tips are provided to help individuals understand and manage any difficulties they might have related to their attachment styles.

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In this introductory episode, mental health clinicians (Dr. Alyssa, Chue, Houa, and Mosi) share why it is important to talk about Hmong mental health and why self-healing is critical for the Hmong in the 21st century.   

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