You used the communication tools—stayed calm, listened well—but your partner still reacted the same. For Asian Americans, Korean Americans, third culture kids, and expats living in Asia, emotional regulation often carries extra weight. Cultural dynamics, unspoken expectations, and identity struggles can all show up in relationships. In this blog, Asian therapist Samuel Kim shares how learning to self-regulate can create emotional safety, even when conflict arises. At Oak and Stone Therapy, we support individuals and couples navigating cross-cultural stress, identity challenges, and relational disconnection.  

Talking about mental health with your Asian family can feel confusing and painful, especially when cultural stigma and generational silence get in the way. Whether you're Taiwanese, Chinese, or part of the Asian American diaspora, therapy can help you make sense of your experience and find support that honors both your emotional needs and your cultural background. Based in California and Taipei, we offer culturally sensitive therapy in English and Mandarin

Growing up as an Asian American in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or the Bay Area, it can be a common experience to be confused with another Asian person. Oak and Stone Therapy explores these racial experiences and emphasizes the importance of being fully seen and known.

Growing up with wealth in an Asian American family in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or the Bay Area can bring unique pressures and complexities. Oak and Stone Therapy explores these dynamics and offers support for a healthy relationship with inherited wealth.

Being an Asian American creative in today's world isn't just about talent or passion — it's a journey often marked by hidden emotional struggles. From battling impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and creative blocks, to coping with career uncertainty, rejection, and identity doubts, many creatives face intense inner challenges that aren't always visible from the outside. Whether you're an actor, writer, artist, musician, or entrepreneur, navigating the pressures of inspiration, performance, and self-worth can take a toll on your mental health. At Oak and Stone Therapy, we understand the unique emotional experiences of creatives — especially Asian American, BIPOC, and first-generation individuals — and offer therapy designed to help you reclaim your confidence, heal from burnout, and rediscover your creative voice.

The conversation around boundaries is everywhere, but often misses a crucial point: true boundary setting isn't about controlling others, it's about defining and enacting your own responses. Many online discussions frame boundaries as demands on others ("You can't do that!"), but what happens when those demands aren't met? At Oak and Stone Therapy, we understand that helpful boundaries empower you to create your own peace and safety, regardless of external reactions. Setting and reinforcing these limits, especially for Asian Americans, is about making conscious choices about how you'll respond to different behaviors, ultimately fostering healthier and more fulfilling relationships. Read on to explore how focusing on internal agency can lead to profound relational shifts.

Trauma can leave invisible wounds, impacting your mind, body, and spirit in profound ways. At Oak and Stone Therapy, we understand the unique experiences and cultural nuances that can shape the impact of trauma on Asian Americans in California, whether you're in the heart of Los Angeles, the vibrant community of Highland Park, the historic streets of Pasadena, or the diverse landscape of the Bay Area. If you're seeking a path to healing from trauma that honors your background and lived experiences, our therapists offer compassionate and effective approaches like Brainspotting, EMDR, and Restoration Therapy. Discover how our culturally sensitive care can help you reclaim your well-being and find lasting healing.

Struggling with identity loss, burnout, or postpartum overwhelm? Therapy with an Asian American therapist in Los Angeles can help you feel seen, supported, and whole again.

Loving someone with ADHD brings unique joys and challenges. If you're in a neurodivergent relationship in Los Angeles, Pasadena, the Bay Area, or Seattle, the Asian American therapists at Oak and Stone offers practical tools for better communication, understanding, and a stronger connection. Learn how we can help you navigate ADHD together.

As an Asian American in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or the Bay Area, does your drive for perfection feel exhausting? It might be masking underlying ADHD. Oak and Stone Therapy offers culturally sensitive support to understand and navigate this, helping you break free from the pressure and find genuine well-being.

Are you an empathic Asian American in Los Angeles, Pasadena, the Bay Area, or Seattle feeling overwhelmed by others' emotions? Oak and Stone Therapy explores the unique experiences of empaths in the Asian American community and offers self-care tips to protect your well-being.

Are you an Asian American executive, founder, or entrepreneur in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or the Bay Area Silicon Valley facing unique pressures? Oak and Stone Therapy offers support to manage stress, navigate cultural expectations, and enhance your leadership journey. Discover how therapy can help you thrive.

Navigating codependent patterns within Asian American families in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or the Bay Area? Oak and Stone Therapy explores how cultural values can influence these dynamics and offers steps towards healthier, more independent relationships.

Navigating identity as an LGBTQIA+ Asian American in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or the Bay Area? Cultural expectations can clash with self-discovery. Oak and Stone Therapy offers affirming and culturally sensitive support to help you embrace your authentic self.

Are you a high-achieving Asian American in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or the Bay Area who suspects you have ADHD? Oak and Stone Therapy explores the unique challenges and offers culturally sensitive support to help you thrive as a neurodivergent individual.

Building first-generation wealth as an Asian American in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or the Bay Area can bring pride and pressure. Oak and Stone Therapy explores the unique mental health challenges and offers support to navigate this journey.

Asian therapist Samuel Kim, LMFT #141541 at Oak and Stone Therapy in Los Angeles, California writes about how to navigate situations when good intentions lead to a hurtful impact.

Nancy Denq, LMFT 146636 explores common reasons why couples therapy may not be working for you, introduces discernment counseling for couples who are not sure they want to move forward in the relationship, and offers possible ways to move forward.