How do we lead through the example of deep interconnectedness in human relationships?

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Reyna, a descendant of the indigenous peoples, Choctaw and Purépecha. Dr. Reyna shares a brief history of how the Choctaw Nation sent money to starving Irish families during the potato famine in 1847. This act of generosity was particularly remarkable given that the Choctaws had themselves suffered greatly just 16 years earlier during the Trail of Tears, when they were forced to walk over 5,000 miles from their homeland to Indian Territory.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Irish people returned the Choctaws' generosity by providing aid to Native Americans. Dr. Reyna believes that these acts of kindness and compassion are a testament to the deep interconnectedness of all human beings. She also believes that these values of generosity, community building, and cultural sensitivity are essential for creating a more just and equitable world. As a School Psychologist, Dr. Reyna works to promote these values in her work with students and families. Dr. Reyna's work is an example of how we can all lead through the example of deep interconnectedness in human relationships. By working together to build strong communities and to promote understanding and compassion, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Dr. Reyna's Contact:

[email protected]

Reyna, R. S., Keller-Margulis, M. A., & Burridge, A. B. (2017). Culturally responsive school psychology practice: A study of practitioners’ self-reported skills. Contemporary School Psychology, 21(1), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-016-0102-1

In this AAPI episode, we'll be exploring the complex and often contradictory ways that Asian American men are socialized about gender and race. Asian American men are socialized about gender and race largely influenced by white hegemonic masculinity. Further, these messages come from our families, our communities, and the media. They tell Asian American boys and men what it means to be a man, what it means to be Asian, and how those two identities intersect. In this episode, Dr. Keum discusses his findings, themes from the voices of Asian American participants from his recently published article, Asian American Men’s Gendered Racial Socialization and Fragmented Masculinity: Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Dr. Keum also shares affirming interventions to consider at the therapeutic, family, and systems level.

Link to research article featured in this episode: Asian American Men's Gendered Racial Socialization and Fragmented Masculinity: Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/00110000231170310

Dr. Keum's Contact:

Email - [email protected]

Website - ⁠https://hitlab.luskin.ucla.edu/⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠Research⁠

According to the US Census, the Multiracial population has changed considerably since 2010. It was measured at 9 million people in 2010 and is now 33.8 million people in 2020, a 276% increase. Maintaining a sense of cultural humility will be key to helping clients navigate their multiracial identities. In this AAPI episode, Dr. Dhaliwal who identifies as multiracial, shares with us her journey both professionally and personally. She offers tips in the professional space for early career mental health providers. Additionally, Dr. Dhaliwal shares a tip in inviting clients to have difficult conversations about race, even when clients ask about our own racial identity.

Dr. Dhaliwal's Contact:

FB business page: https://www.facebook.com/inclusiveaffirming22/

Consulting page: https://www.raddiversityconsult.com/

US Census:

https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/improved-race-ethnicity-measures-reveal-united-states-population-much-more-multiracial.html

South Asian Americans are a growing racial group in the United States and make up a large portion of the U.S. immigrant population. Many are highly motivated and come into therapy when many resources have been exhausted. We must recognize that traditional forms of therapy might not work and that it is important to provide a framework, freedom of language expression, and help South Asian clients feel confident in the therapeutic process. In this AAPI episode, Dr. Srivastav will discuss an affirming stance in creating space for South Asian clients in therapy.

Dr. Srivastav's Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.evergreen-psychotherapy.com

Provider Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/457216

Many of us who practice psychology in the United States are not aware of the profound and deep Eurocentric ideals embedded in western psychology. How do we learn about the impact and collaborate outside of our immediate network? BIPOC mental health providers are truly well positioned to help reshape and rethink as efforts to decolonize psychology take shape. In this episode, Dr. Neeta speaks to us about the importance of international partnership and shares some of the lessons learned early in her career as a psychologist living abroad.

This month we are celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islanders heritage month. We will be showcasing a series of conversations with AAPI mental health professionals about their contributions. Specifically, we will do a deep dive into each of their specialty clinical or research areas and offer practical tools to consider as part of our personal and professional journey. Another consideration is the importance of a shared community therefore you will also continue to hear published conversations with other BIPOC mental health professionals.

Sources:

https://time.com/5592591/asian-pacific-heritage-month-history/

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/05/01/180312136/on-celebrating-asian-pacific-american-heritage-month

https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/treasures_of_congress/text/page15_text.html

https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/transcontinental-railroad

https://www.pbs.org/ancestorsintheamericas/program1_1.html

https://www.asian-nation.org/first.shtml

AAPI Episode Cover Illustrator:

Khou Vue - https://www.koovoo.me/

According to the CDC, Autism has been identified in about 1 in 36 children. In the past, autism was often seen as a deficit or a disorder that needed to be fixed. However, there is a growing movement to view autism as a difference or neurodiversity in the wide range of human neurological variation. So how might one take such an affirming stance in Autism Care? What does affirming autism care look like? Furthermore, what are the complexities faced when English is not the primary or first language for a client? In the episode, Dr. Reyes-McDonald speaks about her personal experience with Autism, her approach to affirming care, and will be opening a new Autism Center in Texas.

Dr. Reyes-McDonald's Contact: https://gracepsychological.com/

Careers at Grace Psychological Services: https://gracepsychological.com/careers/

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities. However, research has shown that people of color and women are disproportionately underdiagnosed and undertreated for ADHD. Consequently, some individuals do not get diagnosed until they are an adult. Part of it may be systemic lack of support or resources and lack of understanding normative cultural behaviors. As mental health clinicians are not immune to mental health conditions, there are those who live with ADHD and at times fear disclosing or seeking support for it. In this episode, Dr. Shauna Pollard talks about her personal journey with ADHD and how it has led her to create a consultation group for BIPOC clinicians with ADHD. Additionally, she discusses resources and uses of current technologies to help her ADHD clients.

Dr. Shauna Pollard's Contact:

Website: https://drspllc.com/

Email: [email protected]

ADHD Group for Clinicians: https://drspllc.com/online-therapy/adhd-groups/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshaunap/

According to the Pew Research Center, the Muslim population is growing and is one of the fastest growing religions in the United States. Most Muslims in America are immigrants from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. This year's Ramadan, a religious holiday for Muslims, occurs from March 22, 2023 - April 20, 2023, so many Muslims will be practicing fasting and developing a deep connection with their religion. Also be mindful that, given the intersectionality of ethnicity and religion inside the US historical contexts, how might we aim to support and be an ally to Muslim clients? What are some important themes to explore in therapy and what might a culturally responsive approach look like? In this episode, Dr. Dadouch shares her clinical practice strategies that mental health professionals can explore to support and be an ally to Muslim clients.

Dr. Dadouch contact:

Sakinah Center - https://www.sakinah.center/

Email - [email protected]