What happens when you grow up between two cultures and never fully belong to either? As a 1.5 generation Southeast Asian immigrant, I came to the United States as a child. I was young enough to adapt, but old enough to remember what I left behind. My identity has always lived in the space between.
In today’s hyper-connected digital age, it can feel like the world is on fire every time we open our phones or computers. Breaking news. Politically charged updates. Disheartening reports of yet another injustice. For many of us, “doomscrolling”, the compulsion to keep scrolling through one distressing headline after another, has become an entrenched habit. But for those in the neurodivergent community, this cycle can be even more taxing. Our deep empathy, heightened sensitivity, and justice sensitivity leave us particularly vulnerable to burnout.
Here’s why that happens, how it affects our nervous system, and most importantly what we can do to protect our well-being while staying committed to our core values.
Los Angeles has always been home for me. I grew up there, and even though life has taken me elsewhere, I will always be connected to the City of Angels and its amazing communities. As wildfires continue to affect the LA area, I want to give back to my hometown by offering free crisis counseling specifically for neurodivergent individuals who are experiencing challenges because of this disaster. Understanding how overwhelming and disruptive natural disasters can be. Especially for those with unique sensory, communication, or emotional processing needs. I am here to help you find immediate, short-term stability and connect you with essential resources.
I am offering free crisis counseling (1-4 sessions) with a focus on:
Crisis Stabilization: Alleviating immediate emotional distress and creating a supportive plan of action to help you navigate this challenging time.
Resource Connection: Linking you to local and national resources, including specialized support organizations.
My schedule does have limited availability, so if I cannot personally see you, I will do my best to connect you with alternative options. There is a growing network of therapists coming together to help the community during these wildfires, so you are not alone.
If you or someone you love needs help during the LA wildfires, please reach out as soon as possible. My goal is to provide a safe and affirming space for you to process emotions, develop coping skills, and access further assistance in the community. I remain deeply committed to my roots in Los Angeles and to standing by my hometown in times of hardship. You are not alone. Help is available.