CCC '20
Compassion, Community, and Care in 2020
During the Covid-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic inflicts upon people a collective trauma that forces a transition to new norms. For many, the adjustment provides challenges mentally, physically, financially, socially, and spiritually. As a social worker by training, I have a duty to help the community during such a time. Below are resources I am offering at no cost until NY on PAUSE has ended.
Better Together: Virtual Solidarity and Support
Online Group for Mutual Support
While not a replacement for therapy, attendees will experience solidarity and support in group sessions that utilize my clinical facilitation skills to highlight the strengths of those attending. The group was created based on feedback from interested attendees and will focus on the following:
- connecting with others experiencing similar circumstances
- brainstorming healthy ways to spend time
- feeling more calm, grounded, and relaxed
- sharing and learning strategies to promote anti-racism
To join these groups, please click to sign up based on the date you'd like to attend. All groups start at 7pm and last for one hour. I encourage you to join all three.
For those experiencing issues that they wish to share more privately, please contact me for individual therapy or group therapy services.
Cafe EXPRESS: Connect, Feel, Think, and Drink
"Internet Cafe" for the Mind, Body, and Soul
The COVID-19 pandemic has halted many common rituals, including regular visits to our cafes of choice. Whether it is a tea house, a coffee shop, a bakery, or a quick stop on the way to the subway, people were able to use cafes in multiple ways. For some, it was a source of liquid rejuvenation, and for others, it was a place to connect with people in an atmosphere that provided them with warmth, comfort, and companionship.
Cafe EXPRESS is a 3-part series of online BYO gatherings that honor the now missing role that cafes had in our lives. For each event, bring your favorite coffee or tea house drink, and join others in a space designed for people to connect, express thoughts and feelings, and learn ways to get through common struggles together.
Click on the event titles to sign up. All meetings start at 7pm.
May 1st, 2020: Virtual Coffee or Tea?
Whether you're interested in catching up, getting to know someone better, or trying to network with someone for a job, the important questions always remain at the end of the day. Do you prefer coffee or tea? Is it "boba" or bubble tea? Have you tried dalgona coffee yet?
For this gathering, simply be with one another during the pandemic. Talk about common areas of interest, and share in the virtual construction of a community space that showcases our own strengths and resiliency.
May 9th, 2020: Spoken Words Online
Poetry, prose, and other creative means of using language are powerful ways of helping people get through the good times and the bad.
During this gathering, read or listen to pieces selected by attendees, and allow yourself to feel the impact of connecting through a common form of self-care and expression. Build compassion for yourself and others as we face this pandemic together.
May 13th, 2020: Cafe Telehealth
Cafe Scientifique describes events which bring together scientists and the general public to have casual but stimulating conversations about powerful and important topics, usually in cafes and other informal venues. At this event, which is inspired by the Science Cafe movement, attendees will be able to ask questions about mental health, self-care, and other important wellness topics.
Better your own knowledge and awareness of mental health as we struggle to get through this pandemic. Explore the thought-provoking goal of defining what care means in 2020 and beyond.
Virtual Peer Supervision with NYCAAMH
Be Online for Your Peers
As recent increases in racism, xenophobia, and sinophobia have negatively impacted the lives of many Asian Americans, it is important for fellow helping professionals to be there for one another now more than ever.
Join fellow Asian American mental health professionals for peer-based group supervision with the NY Coalition for Asian American Mental Health's Professional Development Group.
Among many others, topics have centered around adapting to changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating race-based interactions, discussing clinical challenges, and dealing with stress and trauma in the workplace and the community.
While these are traditionally once a month in person, I am co-facilitating virtual meetings every two weeks. Dates and meeting information are regularly posted on the NYCAAMH website.
On the Same Boat: What Does it Mean to be Asian American During this Pandemic?
Rock the Boat Podcast's Weekly Online Mental Health Series
I am excited to partner with Rock The Boat and other providers on an endeavor to provide mental health support to the Asian American community.
As per their e-mail, "From experiencing racism to job loss, from managing relationships with those we're quarantined with, to applying for loans like crazy. There are so many things we have to deal with during these unprecedented times. In the next few weeks, we're partnering with mental health professionals Darlina Liu, David Mou, Steven Sust, Daniel Tanh, and more to bring you a weekly mental health series with the goal of bringing together small groups to discuss COVID-19, coping strategies, and overall mental wellbeing. You can attend for free or chose to donate to Rock The Boat and GetUsPPE. Either way, I hope we can gather together during these times and find a safe space where we can share our experiences with each other."
During my session on May 22nd, from 5:30pm-6:30pm, I will be discussing the idea of what it means to be Asian American during this pandemic and in the midst of an increase in racism and xenophobia targeting Asians around the world.
WFH: Wellness from Hardships
Rebuilding Remotely
Many organizations have been forced to make difficult choices. The employees of these organizations may experience increased amounts of stress and frustration, difficulties concentrating and performing, and challenges seeking support. I am available for organization leaders to consult with in order to brainstorm and execute ways to take care of the mental health of their employees.
These include:
- advising supervisors on how to navigate conversations about stress and self-care with their supervisees
- developing focused online support groups based on collective experiences among employees
- facilitating conversations about the way that issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion have impacted organizational responses
- leading psychoeducation sessions regarding signs and symptoms of burnout and vicarious trauma
- providing skills-based learning opportunities that help people slow down or feel more calm and grounded
Please fill out this form if you would like me to support you and the well-being of your employees.
Help and Resources
General Support
I am also available to provide guidance and resource suggestions for those experiencing difficulties with unemployment/loss of income, food insecurity, and difficult living situations, among other concerns.
Here are some helpful resources for you to access immediately:
