Do you ever feel like you’ve lost sight of who you really are? Many Asian Australians grow up balancing cross-cultural expectations with personal desires. We learn to prioritise duty, achievement, and harmony often at the cost of our authenticity. Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and trauma therapist, explains in his book The Myth of…
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Intergenerational trauma is a complex and often overlooked issue that can have a significant impact on our emotional and mental health. The results from our recent quiz on the key area Family Expectations & Cultural Pressure shed light on the struggles many of us face when it comes to navigating the expectations and pressures placed…
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In a deeply personal episode of the Soul Boom podcast, Bobby Lee, a Korean American stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster, shared his stories involving family trauma, addiction, and the transformative power of therapy. His story is not just about recovery, but also a testament to the importance of understanding and healing the layers of pain…
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In Part 1, we explored the personal and cultural factors that contribute to underdeveloped boundaries and limits in Asian Australian culture. Let’s dive into actionable steps you can take to strengthen and assert your boundaries in everyday life. Here are some practical steps to help you build and reinforce your boundaries and limits: 1. Identify…
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Do you often feel like your life isn’t entirely your own? Like the decisions you make, the actions you take, and the paths you follow are more dictated by others than by your own desires? You’re not alone. For many Asian Australians, the family or community often takes precedence over the individual, and boundaries and…
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The Silent Pressure of Expectations You’ve always strived to meet the expectations of others—whether it’s your parents, extended family, or even the broader community. In cultures where strong family values and collectivism are of utmost importance, you may feel the weight of these expectations every day. This article isn’t about dismissing those values but about…
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Our Director, Will Vuong, recently had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on “The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis” podcast. During the conversation, he dove deep into Asian Australian cultural identity and intergenerational trauma, attachment, men’s mental health, and sharing insights and personal stories that will hopefully inspire and empower our communities. A…
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Early life experiences lay the foundation for who we become as adults, and for Asian Australian men, this journey involves a blend of cultural influences and…
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A Tale of Survival My family’s identity has largely been shaped by one thing- migration. This is a significant thread that has held our cultural identities together. It includes my parents’ journey to Australia, my grandfather’s move to Vietnam, and other ancestors who originated from China. Most have lived through and survived wars, threats to…
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