The Journey Blog
Writings to meet you where you are
Your First Experience of Love: How Family of Origin Shapes Your Relationships
Our first experiences of love begin at home.
Learn how your early family dynamics shape adult relationships — and how Asian American therapists at Oak and Stone Therapy can help you heal old patterns.
The Fear of Celebrating Ourselves: When Success Feels Unsafe in Relationships
Asian American therapist Hatty J. Lee, LMFT 83772 explores the importance of holding space for the whole spectrum of emotions, especially the difficult and painful ones, as well as allowing the people in our community to hold space for them too.
When Envy Points to Shame: What Social Media Reveals About Us
Asian American therapist explores the feeling of envy and how it might reveal hidden wishes, dreams, and hopes that you might have for your life. She discusses how you might use envy as information to guide you in the direction you want to go.
Too Much or Just Misunderstood?
Have you ever been told you're "too much"? Too emotional, too sensitive, too intense? For many Asian Americans and children of immigrants, emotional expression can feel like a liability instead of a strength. But your "too muchness" isn't a flaw — it's an invitation to explore your needs, relational patterns, and voice with more compassion and clarity.
Why Ghosting Isn’t the Easy Way Out—Especially for Asian Americans
Many Asian Americans and children of immigrants in Los Angeles struggle with ghosting — not because we’re heartless, but because we were raised to avoid conflict, suppress emotions, and prioritize harmony. But ghosting can deepen insecurity, delay healing, and damage trust. In this blog, we explore why ghosting is so common in our communities, how cultural upbringing influences it, and what healthier, more honest alternatives look like for expats, creatives, and first-gen professionals navigating dating and relationships.
Why Conflict in Relationships Can Be a Catalyst for Deeper Connection
Conflict is inevitable in close relationships—but it doesn’t have to be destructive. In this post, Asian American therapist Hatty J. Lee, LMT 83772 explores how conflict can reveal unmet needs, deepen emotional intimacy, and become a turning point for growth. Learn how to approach relational conflict with greater awareness, accountability, and compassion.