hey girlies! This episode is part 2 of "why women of color carry stress differently". We talk about "how to get better" after discussing nervous system healing from part 1 = nervous system + healing + community vibes 💭

Dr. Niloufer Merchant, Gina Kim, and Helen Bass break down Nervous System Regulation (Polyvagal Theory) in real life—especially for women of color.

They talk morning routines, ancestral roots, and how grief/loss hits your body, not just your mind.Big themes:

* healing isn’t solo—it’s community + family

* grief stays, but you can still stay connected

* therapy isn’t just “fixing problems,” it’s understanding your storyThey also get into:* generational trauma + ancestral wisdom

* why healing takes time (no quick fixes fr)

* trust, safety, and nervous system awareness in therapy

* co-regulation = healing through real human connectionBasically: slow healing, deep roots, and learning your nervous system is key

🔑Links/Books Mentioned:

Dr. Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/

Deb Dana Website: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/about

Dr. Niloufer Merchant: https://www.nmmerchant.com/

Gina Kiem: https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/

Helen Bass Website: https://www.sincerepractice.com/

Meaning of Your Life Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Life-Finding-Emptiness/dp/0593545427

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Morning Reflections

03:03 Polyvagal Theory in Daily Life

06:01 Honoring Our Ancestors

08:45 The Importance of Family and Ancestral Connections

11:53 Understanding Loss and Its Impact on the Nervous System

14:58 Navigating Grief and Connection

18:09 The Role of Community in Healing

29:52 Navigating Loss and Connection

36:04 The Role of Nervous System in Therapy

49:16 Problem Solving in Therapy

54:14 Healing from Family Trauma

57:28 Understanding the Nervous System and Individual Profiles

58:20 The Slow Process of Healing and Understanding Trauma

01:00:13 Intergenerational Trauma and Its Impact

01:02:11 The Importance of Relationship in Therapy

01:04:52 Navigating Client Relationships and Trust

01:06:12 The Role of Patience in Therapy

01:09:36 Co-Regulation and Therapist's Own Nervous System

🤍 Hey girlies! This episode explains how body-based healing (like polyvagal theory) can be used in therapy that respects culture and identity. Guests Gina Kiem and Dr. Neela Fur talk about feeling safe in different spaces, code switching, and simple practices that help women of color feel more grounded, connected, and supported.

Resources from Dr. Niloufer Merchant -

Here are the links to both articles by Elana Curtis and colleagues:

2025 article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12063315/

2019 article https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12939-019-1082-3

Follow Dr. Niloufer: https://www.nmmerchant.com/

Follow Gina Kiem: https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/

Follow Helen on All Socials/Website - https://bio.site/helenbass

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory and Cultural Competence

04:34 Personal Experiences with Polyvagal Theory

09:51 Cultural Contexts and Personal Backgrounds

15:15 Navigating Cultural Practices and Co-Regulation

20:39 The Impact of Code Switching and Allostatic Load

34:26 Navigating Subtle Cues and Allostatic Load

37:45 Cultural Specificity in Therapeutic Practices

43:46 Cultural Safety and Power Dynamics

50:36 Embodied Practices and Nervous System Awareness

59:24 The Intersection of Polyvagal Theory and Cultural Context

This episode includes candid conversations about postpartum depression, anxiety, and cultural stigma around mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Postpartum Support International helpline is available at 1-800-944-4773.

In many Asian households, mental health isn't something you talk about. You push through. You perform.

And when motherhood breaks you open — you're expected to do that silently too.Today on The Sincere Practice Podcast, I sit down with Peggy and Jasmine — the hosts of Healing the Tigress, a podcast dedicated to AAPI maternal mental health. Peggy is a licensed clinical social worker and perinatal mental health therapist. Jasmine is a Doctor of Pharmacy.

Both are certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). And both are Taiwanese American mothers who survived postpartum depression and anxiety.We talk about:

🐯 Why postpartum depression hits differently when your culture says "just be grateful"

🐯 The role of therapy AND medication in postpartum recovery🐯 Reparenting yourself while raising your own children

🐯 Breaking generational patterns in Asian American families

🐯 How Healing the Tigress is creating space for AAPI moms to heal

🎙️ Learn more about Healing the Tigress:

🔗 https://healingthetigress.buzzsprout.com/

📌 Connect with The Sincere Practice:https://www.sincerepractice.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Healing the Tigress

01:00 The Journey into Podcasting

03:03 Understanding Postpartum Mental Health

06:05 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health

08:51 Cultural Perspectives on Therapy

11:46 Navigating Treatment and Healing

14:29 Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience

17:17 The Power of Friendship in Motherhood

22:10 The Blossoming of Friendship

25:44 Navigating Motherhood and Identity

30:29 Inner Work and Breaking Generational Patterns

39:30 Future Aspirations for Healing the Tigress

#PostpartumDepression #MaternalMentalHealth #AAPImentalhealth #PerinatalMentalHealth #PostpartumAnxiety #Reparenting #AsianAmericanMoms #TherapyStigma #HealingTheTigress #MomMentalHealth #PostpartumRecovery #Motherhood #WomensHealth #MentalHealthAwareness

Hey y'all, Helen here, sharing a casual chat about my journey in therapy. This episode dives into the challenges of "personal growth" as a therapist, emphasizing the constant need for "self improvement" in our "mindset." It's crucial for "mental health" professionals to address these areas, ensuring we provide the best possible "therapy" and foster our own "professional growth." I truly believe this conversation is important for everyone to hear.

⚠️ Content Note: This episode discusses domestic violence, financial abuse, and gender-based violence. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

When we think about domestic violence, we don't always think about money. But financial abuse is one of the most common — and least recognized — forms of control in relationships.

In this episode of The Sincere Practice Podcast, licensed therapist Helen Bass sits down with Stephanie Prom, Musician & Project Manager at FreeFrom, a national survivor-led organization on a mission to build a world free from gender-based violence. Stephanie shares her personal journey — from LA-born daughter of refugee survivors, to music and arts nonprofits, to the front lines of gender-based violence prevention.

Together, they explore how creativity and resilience fuel social change, what financial abuse actually looks like, and why community is the foundation of survivor empowerment.

In This Episode:

00:00 The Role of Music in Creativity

02:29 Journey into Gender-Based Violence Advocacy

05:30 Creativity and Resilience from Immigrant Experiences

08:45 Unlearning Societal Norms and Embracing Heritage

11:30 Balancing Work and Personal Life in Nonprofits

14:30 The Importance of Time and Trust in Work

17:34 Finding Peace Amidst Chaos

20:19 The Impact of Good Work on Community

23:19 Mental Health and Self-Care in Advocacy Work

29:32 Embracing Purpose and Community Impact

31:13 Creating Safe Spaces for Women's Mental Health

33:57 Redefining Survivor Narratives

38:39 Understanding Systemic Barriers to Safety

42:02 Collective Change and Survivor Empowerment

46:21 Taking Action:

Resources and SupportResources Mentioned:

🔗 FreeFrom: https://www.freefrom.org/

🔗 Tuesday Night Cafe: https://www.tuesdaynightproject.org/

🔗 Sincere Practice: https://www.sincerepractice.com/

Connect with Helen Bass, LCSW:

🌐 Website: https://www.sincerepractice.com/

📱 Subscribe for more conversations on mental health, relationships, faith, and motherhood.

#financialabuse #domesticviolence #genderbasedviolence #coercivecontrol #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #relationships #survivorempowerment #therapist #podcast

Emotional safety isn’t something that just happens in relationships — it’s a skill that must be practiced. In this episode, Helen Bass explains how building safety with others begins with managing your own nervous system, recognizing triggers, and responding intentionally rather than reactively. We discuss how self-awareness, boundaries, and reflection help create relationships where people can feel secure, heard, and respected.

Links

Work with Helen: https://www.sincerepractice.com/

Read the Newsletter: https://sincerepractice.substack.com/

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Emotional Safety

05:39 The Role of the Nervous System

11:20 Creating Space for Reflection

16:31 Practical Steps to Emotional Safety

In this insightful conversation, Gina Kiem, an expert in trauma, attachment, cultural identity, and spirituality, offers a reflective space for viewers. This discussion provides clarity and fosters greater self-awareness, contributing to overall mental health awareness. Her unique perspective helps individuals navigate complex relationships and encourages significant personal growth.

Links

Work with Gina (Maryland) - https://ginakiem-goldcounsel.com/

Work with Helen (California) - https://www.sincerepractice.com/

Learn more about Polyvagal Theory: https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheory

Listen to Podcast about Polyvagal Theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWVgXQKrqQ4

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Mission: Sincere Practice

11:21 Living Inside the Body vs. Being Aware of It

22:12 Navigating Family Dynamics and Ancestral Influence

32:54 Navigating Personal Experiences in Therapy

37:53 The Importance of Nervous System Awareness

45:05 Cultural Differences in Love and Money

56:09 Patterns in Relationships and Attachment Styles

01:02:27 The Impact of Modern Dating on Relationships

01:08:20 Building Trust and Safety in Long-Term Relationships

01:14:57 Understanding Change and Expansion in Relationships

01:20:54 The Role of Boundaries and Authenticity in Relationships

Like many therapists I know, I found myself in a therapist’s office long before I ever became a licensed clinician. I was there because I was 18, lost, and running out of resources.

Learn more about Sincere Practice: https://www.sincerepractice.com/