Beyond the Couch
Beyond the Couch is a podcast exploring the intersection of Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American (APISA) identity and mental health. Hosted by three therapists, Diana Liao, LMHC, Samantha Waldman, LMHC, and Christie Kim, LMHC, our mission is to demystify therapy and uplift stories from our community. Join us every Wednesday as we delve into essential topics from identity and perfectionism to courageous stories of healing and collective care with fellow therapists, experts, and community members.
Beyond the Couch is a proud initiative of Bridges Mental Health, is a stigma-free hub for Asians, Pacific Islanders, and South Asian Americans (APISA) to discuss, navigate, and seek mental health care. Find a therapist, join our therapist community, and follow us on Instagram @bridgesmentalhealth.
Beyond the Couch
Asian Name Trauma & Reclamation with Jieun Ko
This week, Christie chats with Jieun Ko about her experience of reclaiming her name. Jieun discusses how her name was appropriated as ‘Chi’ as a child, and how her reclamation took place alongside the rise of Asian representation in media, anti-Asian hate and the Atlanta spa shootings, and through her own work in therapy. Inspired by Jieun’s story, Christie also reflects upon the history of her American and Korean names. Together, they also discuss taking space, self-worth, and building community.
Jieun Ko is a multi-hyphenate — she is a first-generation, Korean American singer, songwriter, writer, artist, activist, and entrepreneur, based in Brooklyn, New York. She is also the self-proclaimed #1 fan of our podcast! Connect with Jieun through her Patreon, website, and podcast Gajeok.
Jieun hosts a monthly event called Gajeok Gatherings! Gajeok Gatherings is a safe space for Korean American and Korean diasporic women to gather via Google Meet. If you’re interested in being a part of this community, please contact Jieun at: jieunandgreg@gmail.com. She would love to include you as a part of her growing Gajeok community.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Penn State Sociology class video
- Read more of Jieun’s reclamation story on her blog post: “My Name is Jieun”
Bridges Mental Health connects Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian Americans (APISA) with culturally responsive mental health professionals and resources. We hope to make mental health care more accessible and approachable across the Asian diaspora.
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