How does therapy support Asian American mental health?

Therapy provides a safe space to heal intergenerational trauma, manage career stress, overcome creative blocks, and navigate cultural identity challenges. Services include Brainspotting and EMDR therapy available in Los Angeles, Pasadena, the Bay Area, and across California.

What mental health issues commonly affect Asian American communities?

Common concerns include anxiety, depression, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, family pressures, relationship challenges, and creative blocks. Asian American therapists at Oak and Stone Therapy provide culturally sensitive support using Brainspotting, EMDR, and other healing modalities.

Is culturally sensitive therapy important for BIPOC and children of immigrants?

Yes, culturally sensitive therapy acknowledges racial identity, cultural values, and intergenerational expectations. Our services include Brainspotting and EMDR therapy adapted to the needs of BIPOC and first-generation clients across California.

Who can benefit from Oak and Stone Therapy's blog?

Our blog supports Korean Americans, Taiwanese, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Singaporean, Filipino, and other East and South Asian communities, as well as BIPOC individuals and first-generation Americans seeking emotional growth, resilience, and culturally sensitive therapy options like Brainspotting and EMDR.

When the Grass Looks Greener: Discerning Discontentment and Tending to What You Have

For You

May 28

Written By Hatty J. Lee

Ever find yourself looking outside and thinking the grass looks greener on the other side?
Sometimes it really is. Sometimes, our discontentment can be an important signal—nudging us toward growth, change, or more aligned relationships. It can invite us to imagine a more meaningful life. But if discontentment is a repetitive pattern that continues to show up — even after we’ve changed jobs, partners, cities, or friend groups — it may be worth exploring whether there are deeper projections at play.

At times, we unknowingly project our internal dissatisfaction onto external situations — our career, home, or relationships. We may find ourselves believing that if we could just fix or perfect the things around us, we’d finally feel better inside. But the trouble becomes clear when we do make those changes… and after the initial high wears off, the same heaviness creeps back in. The shine fades. The grass, though greener at first, begins to feel familiar in its dullness.

We realize: oh… this too requires tending.

The truth is, even the most beautiful fields need consistent nourishing, trimming, watering, and attention. No grass stays vibrant on its own.

There are seasons when the invitation is not to flee your field, but to tend to it — to care for your current life and relationships with patience, presence, and intentionality. To reconnect with what’s already here and see if it can be revived, rather than replaced.

That may mean:

Having an honest conversation instead of checking out
Trimming back distractions to make room for deeper connection
Nourishing neglected parts of yourself or your relationship
Acknowledging the effort it takes to stay rooted where you are

Of course, there are also times when it’s wise and right to move on—to step into new spaces, new environments, or new relationships. Sometimes we truly do outgrow the space we’re in. And discernment is key.

But don’t underestimate the power of tending to what you have — and who you are — right now.

The fruit of contentment, meaningful connection, and peace may be closer than you think.
Hang in there. Keep watering. Stay curious.
And trust that you’ll know when it’s time to plant new seeds — or when it’s time to dig deeper roots.

Hatty J. Lee, LMFT (she/her) is an Asian American licensed marriage and family therapist and brainspotting practitioner who has been practicing for 14 years in community mental health settings, schools, and private practice virtually across California and in-person in Los Angeles and Pasadena, California. As the founder and clinical director of a group practice called Oak and Stone Therapy in Los Angeles, CA, she trains clinicians and supports people to deepen their relationship with themselves and the most important people in their lives. She writes about mental health on her Instagram and is the co-author of The Indwell Guide that integrates visual storytelling, mental health education, and practical tools to support people to heal and thrive.

Hatty J. Lee

Oak & Stone Therapy is a team of Asian American therapists who offers individual, couples, child and teens, and family therapy virtually across California and in-person in Los Angeles and Pasadena, California.

http://www.oakandstonetherapy.com