March Newsletter: Big changes ahead
Mar 19, 2024
Hello there!
This month, we're thrilled to share that Shapes and Sounds has been has been selected by the Victorian Department of Health as one of 20 organisations under the Diverse Communities Grant Program, to continue and expand our work in Asian mental health.
To partner with the state government is a huge step forward for us as a little organisation, and we're feeling all the complex array of feelings that come with big changes.
Over the coming weeks, we'll share our plans for expansion however as a thank you for subscribing to our newsletter, we invite you to take an initial first-look at what's coming via this sneaky link. You're welcome follow the prompts if you see fit
❤️Asami
🌱Upcoming workshops:
For therapists: Develop your culturally-responsive practice at our next professional development session, Connect and Grow on May 9th at 7.00pm AEDT.
Learning theme: Addressing the key mental health needs of different Asian sub-communities.
Introducing, Project HoriZen.
Join clinical psychologist, Dr Daniela Ho Tan for Project HoriZen's inaugural Melbourne workshop: "Integrating culture into clinical practice for Asian heritage populations."
Date: Thursday 27th June
Venue: Angliss Conference Centre
🔎 Searching for a therapist?
Connect with our new practitioners below, or share this page with someone who may need this!
Interesting things relating to mental health and Asian Australian identity:
Academia: Whilst the need for culturally responsive mental health services has begun to gain traction within the clinical psychology, an understanding of cultural neuropsychology is lacking worldwide. This article explores key seminal studies which looked at the development of culturally responsive neuropsychological services, and the key considerations for propelling cultural responsitivity within clinical neuropsychology.
Books: Broken Jade by Paul Chan explores the struggles of navigating generational gaps and differences in culture within families, and Life Skills for a Broken World by Dr Ahona Guha provides strategies to help us navigate these painful times.
Music: Souled Out festival is will be happening on March 29th, featuring UMI and Thuy who are of Asian descent. Limited tickets remain!
🎤 Therapist spotlight.
Get to know cousellor, Melissa Ke via our interview:
"I value a strengths-based perspective, emphasising clients' resilience and resources. Collaboratively, we will develop coping strategies, enhance self-esteem, and foster personal growth."
Get to know psychologist, Helen Tang via our interview:
"Your relationship with yourself this is the most important relationship you have and will ever have so it's essential that you have a compassionate inner-dialogue with yourself."
✨Thank you for reading up to this point!
We rely heavily on your generous support to provide ongoing and free mental health resources to Asian communities in Australia.
Support Shapes and Sounds HERE.
💡Free resource: The essential guide to Asian Australian mental health.
We created our "Essential Guide for Asian Australian Mental Health" by surveying over 350 Asian Australians during Covid-19 lockdowns.
Download our guide and learn about the three most pertinent areas of concern for the Asian community, with tips and strategies to support you through.