Internal Insights

Ever look in the mirror after a big life change and feel like a stranger is looking back? You're not broken, and you're not alone.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Why "finding yourself" is the wrong way to think about identity
• What's usually hiding underneath the feeling of being lost
• A handful of honest questions to ask instead of "who am I"
• Why this can feel even more layered if you grew up between two cultures

This episode is for anyone in the middle of a big transition, a breakup, a move, a graduation, becoming a parent, or losing one, who feels like the version of themselves they used to know just doesn't fit anymore.

Ted Thao is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in San Antonio, Texas, offering trauma informed therapy in person and virtually across the state. His work focuses on identity, life transitions, anxiety, and depression, with particular attention to the experience of Asian American clients navigating culture and identity together. Learn more at internalinsightstherapy.com.

Unveiling Mental Health: The Power of a Quick Conversation

In this episode, we dive deep into why brief, honest conversations about mental health matter more than ever. Hosted by Ted Thao, a licensed counselor passionate about creating accessible, stigma-free spaces, this episode explores how just five minutes can change someone’s entire perspective.

In this episode:

• The mission behind Internal Insights Podcast – a 5-minute mental health check-in
• How cultural and family expectations silence many, especially in Asian communities
• Ted’s approach integrating EMDR and DBT to handle trauma and intense emotions
• The importance of creating a safe space where people can put down their burdens
• Why quick, authentic talks can help break the stigma and foster understanding
• Practical tips on opening up and feeling less alone in your struggles
• How brevity makes mental health conversations inclusive and accessible

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing the purpose of the podcast – brief but impactful mental health insights
00:30 - Why quick chats matter in reducing stigma and encouraging openness
01:00 - Ted’s background: working with trauma, anxiety, especially in Asian communities
01:30 - How EMDR helps process difficult memories without re-traumatization
02:00 - The value of creating space for people to share without explaining themselves
02:30 - The power of sharing your story in just five minutes or less
03:00 - How brief conversations make mental health support more accessible

Resources & Links:

• EMDR Therapy - Learn more about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) - Tools for handling intense emotions
• Internal Insights Therapy - Check out Ted’s practice for more resources

This is your reminder: mental health isn’t reserved for long sessions. Sometimes, all it takes is five minutes of honesty — and that’s enough to start healing. Don’t wait to share, to speak, or to start. Your mental wellness is worth it—today.