Dr. Helen Hsu

Bochan: Local Khmer- American pride & Music

Review of Bochan video

Friday August 5th, 2011 I will be presenting at the American Psychological Association on the topic of inter-generational trauma for Cambodian American Women. 

It is a topic that Dr. Kayoko Yokoyama (of JFK Univ. Pleasant Hill) submitted to APA because of how deeply moved we were by the resiliencies of our Cambodian American women clients. 

We had both taken it upon ourselves to read and learn more about the history of Cambodia, and about the immigration and refugee journeys of survivors so we could better comprehend the larger history of our clients' families.

Yet it's impossible to comprehend a genocide that murdered 2 million innocent people, and plunged survivors into starvation and terror.  All we can hope for, is to learn from past horrors and mistakes.  As mental health providers, we hope to learn how to support those who have been through the unthinkable, and who live and love others who have survived.

Our hope is for them to not only survive, but learn to thrive again.  I wanted to share the Bochan video for several reasons:

• Bochan has a beautiful voice and graceful presence

• She's a young local artist - Yay, Oakland!
• She completely embodies the message of Khmer American pride 
• The video is beautiful and portrays both the pain and the resiliency of her community
• and disclaimer- I know Bochan personally, I had the privilege of being her supervisor when she was working to help Oakland youth empower themselves. She is truly a kind hearted person who inspires positivity in the Cambodian American community.

 

Creative Survival

It's difficult to articulate what a therapist "does" in session.  Often people will ask how I "fix" people or "set them straight" or "manipulate" them.  I don't feel any of those things are my goal nor my role.

Sure, it's essential that any good psychotherapist have proper education, relevant work experience, and licensure.  But therapy is a process of co-creation, and not the only path to healing by any means. 

I always encourage clients to seek regular means of self expression, self validation, and self encouragement.  Eventually every client must graduate, so to speak, from therapy, and carry on the their growing new skills and evolving confidence on their own.       

Creative endeavors are such a fundamental human experience, so intrinsic within all human societies that I dare say it's a need.  Be it music, literature, sculpture, dance, painting, poetry - whatever the medium, creativity is healing.  Because constructive self expression is healing.  for example there have been studies which have demonstrated how singing relieves depressive symptoms, or how art therapy benefits traumatized children. 

Often, it's through our creative passions that we sort out our muddled motivations and thoughts and begin learning to accept and own our emotional lives.  It generally happens quite naturally, and is the ideal means for those who don't have the time, money, or verbal proclivities for talk therapy.  Often, we (therapists) utilize art and creativity into the therapy work.  Some of the most powerful moments I have had the privilege to share with clients came while discussing a powerful song, creating a symbolic work of graphic art, or acting out an emotional dilemma with physical tools.

Two small bits I wanted to share today which happened to have triggered this post:

While eating lunch & reading Writer's Digest tips from authors, I read Wade Rouse:

"Most of us, especially writers, are defined by our fears. They strangle us, prevent us from finding our voices, pursuing our passion, writing what calls to us. So, turn "FEAR" into Free Every Artistic Response. When you do, your true voice will be unleashed."

Wade Rouse 

How fantastic is that? Free Every Artistic Response. Imagine how your days would feel if that Artistic response governed your choices and moods instead of your fears.

Next, I watched a YouTube video featuring a song from a 19 year old Cancer Survivor. Megan McNeil wrote the song during some of her darkest days-and with the support of professional producers is helping to raise funds for childhood cancer research.  Her strong voice and will to fight for life are inspiring.  For those of us who have loved someone battling Cancer, her song is like a rallying cry to keep on fighting the good fight. What a luminous example of someone using her creative skills to channel fear and pain into something remarkable: 

Will To Survive