Navigating Cultural Boundaries and Asian Mental Health with Vera Cheng

Content warning: the conversation touches on sensitive topics like suicide.

In this episode, I welcome Vera Cheng, a seasoned social worker, psychotherapist, and founder of 'Talk Therapy with Vera.' We discuss Vera's immigration journey from Hong Kong to Toronto, her challenges with bullying and racism, and her career in mental health.

The conversation also covers the impact of anti-Asian racism, setting boundaries as Asian women, and the importance of internal validation. Vera shares her experiences with therapy and building a private practice, offering valuable advice for new therapists. The episode emphasizes the significance of self-care, community support, and addressing internal conflicts to lead a fulfilling life.

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Bio:

Vera Cheng is a registered social worker, psychotherapist, seasoned speaker, and the founder of Talk Therapy with Vera. With over 15 years of devoted work in mental health and racialized communities, she is a leading expert in mental health and anti-Asian racism, featured in renowned media outlets such as CBC NEWS, CP24 and CTV NEWS. In addition, she partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association and featured in a provincial mental health campaign. 

As a Chinese-Canadian immigrant, she has honed her practice beyond therapy sessions into community engagement, advocacy and fighting against Asian hate. She is passionate about mental health awareness, primarily through anxiety, which she has struggled with. Sharing her journey helps reduce mental health stigma in the hopes of helping others overcome their struggles, too. 

Talk Therapy with Vera is deeply rooted in the "Healing Lens," with the anti-oppressive framework addressing anti-Asian racism through attachment, client-centred, self-compassionate and trauma-informed approaches. She engages with her clients collaboratively and empathically to improve their self-awareness and make positive, goal-directed life changes.

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