Bridges Christian Counseling - Katina Laib, LMFT

08/01/2026

For many Asian Americans, expressing their true feelings isn't simple. Cultural values of harmony, respecting elders, and prioritizing others over oneself can make speaking up, setting boundaries, or saying 'no' feel profoundly wrong.

07/31/2026

The real key isn't just being assertive. It's about mindfully choosing how to respond based on the situation and your goals. Learn one skill to unlock this flexibility.

07/30/2026

Connecting to your wise mind can feel like finding a quiet space within your body, often in your gut or abdomen. It's a place of peace, calm, and clarity, free from striving or analysis.

If you'd like to continue, the full guided meditation is linked below.
https://youtu.be/jjV0RVSuHJ0

07/29/2026

Growing up, learning to suppress disagreement could feel adaptive, especially if expressing it was met with negativity. However, this learned silence can become a significant challenge when it carries into adulthood, impacting how we navigate relationships and express ourselves.

07/29/2026

You may have been told just to speak up or be more assertive, but for many Asian Americans it's not so easy. Check out my article on a DBT skill that can help bring clarity to know how to navigate interpersonal situations.

Photo by Etienne Boulanger on Unsplash

07/28/2026

Being assertive and speaking up can be tough, especially for many Asian Americans. Cultural values prioritizing harmony and avoiding conflict can make it feel anything but simple to just say no or express your true thoughts.

07/27/2026

During interpersonal disagreements, do you struggle with these thoughts?

Do I say something or not?
What if they get upset at me if I say it?
Should I let it go? Maybe I’m making too big of a deal of it.
Actually, I think I’m right, and they need to hear it.

If these back-and-forth thoughts sound familiar to you, you’re not alone. It’s normal to be unsure about what to do in conflicts, especially if you haven’t learned skills on how to resolve and navigate them. Check about my latest video about a key DBT skill that can give you clarity on how to proceed when you’re feeling stuck in an interpersonal situation.

07/26/2026

What did you learn about saying no? How was conflict handled in your family? Did asking for what you needed feel acceptable, or did it feel disrespectful?

07/25/2026

True wisdom isn't about endless effort. It's about reaching a state of calm acceptance, where facts and emotions coexist without struggle. A place of simple being.

07/23/2026

Therapy can help you connect with your wise mind, blending desires, emotions, duties, and facts. This process of synthesis is key for decisions, though it can be confusing as you balance seemingly opposite elements.