ASIAN MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Integrative and Holistic Approaches to Mental Health Care for Asians
“Tranquility” – by Stella Chin
Saturday, September 29, 2018 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
One Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459 617-327-6777 www.williamjames.edu/cmgmh [email protected]
PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSOR
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
William James College…………………………………………………………………..4
Conference Overview & Objectives…………………...... 5
Program...... 6
Keynote Address……………………………………………………………………………8
Panels & Workshops……………………………………………………….…..……8-12
Closing Address…………………………………………………………………………..12
Biographies of Presenters...... 13-17
Chinese Art Exhibit…..…………………………………………………………….……18
Biographies of Artists & Calligraphers………………..…………………………19
Biographies of Performers………….…………………………….…………….……20
Vendor…………………………………………………………………………………….…21
Conference Planning Committee...... 21
Conference Sponsors……………………………………………………………………23
Special Thanks & Acknowledgments………………...…………………………..23
Memorable Moments from the Cultural Celebration.………………………24
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William James College
William James College (WJC) educates students for careers that meet the growing demand for access to quality, culturally competent psychological services for individuals, groups, communities and organizations. WJC offers 15 degree programs, with a focus on serving vulnerable populations, including children of adversity, Latinos and veterans as well as organizations and leaders on the forefront of creating long-lasting social change.
William James College is committed to meeting the needs of underserved populations, providing psychological services, and training culturally sensitive clinicians. WJC’s Center for Multicultural & Global Mental Health (CMGMH) aims to be a preeminent academic, clinical training and research center in promoting social justice and addressing mental health disparities among disenfranchised populations in the U.S. and abroad. CMGMH is comprised of three academic programs that focus on historically marginalized groups and underserved communities: The African and Caribbean Mental Health Program, the Global Mental Health Program and the Latino Mental Health Program. The primary mission of the Multicultural Center is to recruit, train, educate, and prepare a cadre of professionals to serve culturally diverse individuals and communities locally and around the globe.
WJC’s doctoral clinical concentration in Children and Families of Adversity and Resilience, community partnerships with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the PATHWAYS Program, the Freedman Center for Child and Family Development, Interface Referral Service, and the Brenner Center for Psychological Testing also support WJC’s training and service mission. These programs and partnerships focus on meaningful classroom discussion on diversity, individual differences, and our common humanity as it relates to mental health. By promoting open dialogue about these crucial issues, WJC strives to attract a student body that reflects and engages with the communities it serves. The core of WJC’s approach is to provide students with hands-on experience and the clinical skills they need to be effective, pragmatic and compassionate professionals providing high quality services to their clients and solving complex problems in an increasingly diverse world.
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CONFERENCE OVEVIEW
Asians are the fastest-growing racial minority group in the United States. Yet, Asian immigrants and Asian Americans face significant barriers in accessing and utilizing mental health services. The Inaugural Conference on Asian Mental Health brought together mental health clinicians, researchers, and college and school professionals to address the needs and challenges of providing culturally- competent care for diverse Asian communities. Using an integrated and holistic approach, the Conference focused on the risk and protective factors that affect the physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being of Asian individuals and families. The Conference provided a unique opportunity for professionals across research, training, clinical practice, education and community service agencies to engage in a meaningful dialogue, disseminate information on the familial and social determinants of health among Asians, and offer future direction for identifying and implementing prevention/intervention strategies for optimal health and empowerment of Asian communities. The Conference also sought to identify integrative and collaborative strategies as well as community-based outreach and advocacy programs to foster further research, training and innovative healthcare practices that can bridge the gap across systems.
GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR
RxOne Healthcare Support Initiative of Macrosoft Associates
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INAUGURAL CONFERENCE
ASIAN MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Integrative and Holistic Approaches to Mental Health Care for Asians
Saturday, September 29, 2018 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
William James College One Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. – Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 – 9:15 a.m. – Welcoming Remarks Gemima St. Louis, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Co-Director, Center for Multicultural & Global Mental Health, William James College Nicholas Covino, PsyD, President, William James College Sukanya Ray, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Suffolk University
9:15 – 10:15 a.m. – Keynote Address: The X-Y-Z’s of Asian Mental Health – Kenneth Fung, MD, FRCPC, MSc, FAPA, FCPA
10:15 – 10:25 a.m. – Morning Break
10:30 – 12:00 p.m. – Morning Panel Presentations Stigma, Discrimination and Access to Mental Health Services: An Overview of Research and Clinical Implications – Sukanya Ray, Ph.D. Culturally Sensitive Collaborative Treatment and Holistic Approaches for Depressed Chinese Americans – Albert Yeung, MD
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12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch (Provided) Chinese Art Exhibit & Opening Reception: “Heart Sutra – The Creative & Healing Power of Chinese Calligraphy” o Meet the Artists and Calligraphers: Lily Chin and Quanzhou (Jack) Zhao Performance by Suvadip Sengupta Display of South Asian Crafts – South Asian Workers’ Group
1:00 – 1:50 p.m. – Concurrent Workshops Track 1: Racial Microaggressions: The Asian American Experience– Betty Chan, LICSW Track 2: How do intergenerational conflicts impact Asian-American young adults’ mental health? – Kumiko Ide, Ph.D. Track 3: Reflections on Clinical Training, Supervision and Mentorship – Panelists: Danielle Godon-Decoteau, Jenesse Kaitz, Natasha Ramanayake, Kylie Steinhilber, Ziyi Xiu, and Thanh Phan; Moderators: Emily Mohr, Ph.D., and Sukanya Ray, Ph.D.
1:50 – 2:00 p.m. – Afternoon Break
2:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Performance by Mouli Pal, Founder and Director, Upasana Odissi, Inc.
2:15 – 4:15 p.m.: Afternoon Panel: Asian Cultural Healing Practices & Well-Being Genome and BigData: Defining Scientific Mechanisms of Mind Body Therapies – Manoj Bhasin, Ph.D. Meditation and the Brain – Sara Lazar, Ph.D. Dissolving the Mind/Body Division in Acupuncture Medicine – Nelson Wong, MAOM
4:15 – 5:00 p.m. – Closing Address: Mental Health Care for Asian Americans: Cultural Competence in the 21st Century – Jean Lau Chin, EdD, ABPP
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KEYNOTE ADDRESS: The X-Y-Z’s of Asian Mental Health Kenneth Fung, MD, FRCPC, MSc, FAPA, FCPA
The Asian populations are one of the fastest growing groups in North America, and globally, the Asian populations account for 60% of the world’s population. Although sometimes dubbed as the model minority group in the U.S., research indicates that there are significant unmet needs, gaps, and challenges in their mental health care, from service underutilization to late presentation when mental disorders are more severe. Cultural competence is one key to providing effective mental health promotion programs and treatment. In this Keynote Address, Dr. Fung discussed some of the challenges and opportunities to deliver more effective care for the Asian populations, as well as explored what this can contribute to the mental health and well-being of other populations. He identified obstacles to providing cultural competent care for Asians, including the issues of stigma, discrimination and intersectionality; and described Asian cultural beliefs, models of health and illness, and philosophies that may impact or facilitate care.
MORNING PANEL ON STIGMA, DISCRIMINATION & MENTAL HEALTH CARE AMONG ASIANS
Stigma, Discrimination and Access to Mental Health Services: An Overview of Research and Clinical Implications Sukanya Ray, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Psychology, Suffolk University
This presentation addressed current mental health risks, healthcare needs, barriers, and access to services for Asian immigrants. Although Asian immigrants and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups are the most heterogeneous and fastest-growing communities in the United States, very few research studies have focused on stigma, discrimination, mental healthcare disparities and the need for culturally appropriate services for these groups. Some studies have identified barriers, discrimination, distrust, shame, mental health disparities, dissatisfaction and underutilization of healthcare services by Asians (Virnig et al., 2002; Ngo-Metzger, Legedza, & Phillips, 2004; Leong & Lau, 2001; Gee,
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Spencer, Chen & Takeuchi, 2007; Hall & Yee, 2012; Burgess et al., 2008; Abe-Kim et al., 2007; Spencer & Chen, 2004). These challenges to mental health risks and underutilization of services may be related to the model minority myth, acculturative stress, language, cultural taboos, biases, access to services, availability of Asian providers, and preference for culture-specific alternative healthcare practices. In this presentation, Dr. Ray discussed some findings of recent research projects on Asian immigrants to highlight mental health risks (e.g., body image, eating problems), perceived cultural barriers, discrimination and dissatisfaction in healthcare services, and use of alternative/wholistic healthcare practices across different Asian groups. She also addressed implications for future research, training, and the need for integrating culturally informed service approaches and collaborative/community outreach programs to reduce barriers and promote the health and well-being of Asians.
Culturally Sensitive Collaborative Treatment and Holistic Approaches for Depressed Chinese Americans Albert Yeung, MD, Director, Primary Care Research at the Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
In European and North American cultures, depression is a well- accepted psychiatric syndrome characterized by specific affective, cognitive behavioral, and somatic symptoms. In many non-European cultures, including Nigerians, Chinese, and Canadian Eskimos, equivalent concepts of depressive disorders are not found. Studies exploring illness beliefs of depressed among depressed Chinese Americans with a low degree of acculturation have shown that many of them were unaware of, or unfamiliar with the concept of major depressive disorder (MDD). The discrepancy of illness beliefs between less acculturated Chinese Americans and their physicians has led to under-recognition and under-treatment of MDD among Chinese Americans. During this presentation, Dr. Yeung described the Culturally Sensitive Collaborative Treatment (CSCT), which was designed to improve recognition, acceptability, and adherence to treatment of depression. It includes systematic depression screening in primary care, actively approaching patients with depression symptoms, culturally sensitive psychiatric assessment, and case management.
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CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Track #1: Racial Microaggressions: The Asian American Experience Betty Chan, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Worker
Despite the long documented history of racism toward Asian Americans, there has been a lack of attention paid to prejudices and discrimination directed against them (Sue & Sue, 2003). One reason may be that White Americans see racism in Black and White terms. As a result, the experiences of Asian Americans tend to get ignored. According to a study published in Asian American Journal of Psychology, regardless of ethnicity, perceived racial discrimination is associated with several negative mental health outcomes, including higher psychological distress, suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression. This interactive workshop reviewed and deconstructed the concept of racial microaggressions with a focus on microaggressions that are directed at Asian Americans. Participants also learned about the context in which such microaggressions occur and how to develop positive and inclusive coping skills to resist them. Participants were exposed to inclusive mindful resistance coping techniques using non- judgmental compassion and acceptance.
Track #2: How do intergenerational conflicts impact Asian-American young adults’ mental health? Kumiko Ide, Ph.D., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
During this presentation, Dr. Kumiko Ide addressed the impacts of intergenerational gap on Asian-American young adults’ mental health, including low self-esteem, vulnerability to unstructured settings, difficulty expressing feelings, and struggles with internalized parental values. A couple of cases were presented to illustrate these issues. Using her clinical experiences, Dr. Ide identified intergenerational gap between Asian-American young adults and their parents from systemic perspectives. Topics that were addressed included high expectations from parents to be academically successful, a lack of praise or positive feedback from parents, a lack of verbal and physical expressions of love and care from parents, and a lack of concrete guidance/life coach by parents. Dr. Ide also discussed clinical implications for Asian-American young adults’ mental health as well as culturally sensitive clinical approaches for treating Asian-American young adults and their families.
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Track #3: Reflections on Clinical Training, Supervision and Mentorship Panelists: Danielle Godon-Decoteau, Jenesse Kaitz, Natasha Ramanayake, Kylie Steinhilber, Ziyi Xiu, and Thanh Phan Moderators: Emily Mohr, Ph.D., & Sukanya Ray, Ph.D.
This workshop focused on panelists’ perspectives on their exposure and experience of cultural competence areas across clinical training, supervision and research mentorship. Participants shared their respective training experiences as trainee/mentee at different levels of their educational/clinical settings. They engaged in discussion reflecting upon their own mentorship/supervision experiences, challenges and growth areas. This included their own ethnic identities, intersectional/ marginalized identities, and use of culturally informed care/decision making perspectives across clinical, research or supervision settings. Participants were encouraged to use this as a safe space to share their experiences, access to resources, support and expectations for collective reflections, learning and creating change as professional in their future career.
AFTERNOON PANEL ON ASIAN CULTURAL HEALING PRACTICES & WELL-BEING
Genome and BigData: Defining Scientific Mechanisms of Mind Body Therapies Manoj Bhasin, PhD, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Senior Investigator, Harvard Medical School Center for Vascular Biology
Genomics techniques are increasingly being used to understand the mechanism of mind-body medicine practices and integrative medicine more broadly. During this presentation, Dr. Bhasin discussed the power of Genomics and systems-biology approaches, which allow the investigation of gene networks to reveal underlying pathways involved in the mechanism of mind-body approaches. He presented findings on genome and epigenome in response to mind-body interventions, which elicit the relaxation response in both healthy adults and in patients with hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. His group has used the power of BigData and Genomics to develop evidence based next-generation Ayurveda formulation for management of multiple diseases.
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Meditation and the Brain Sara Lazar, PhD, Associate Researcher, Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital; Assistant Professor in Psychology, Harvard Medical School A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that practice of meditation can influence brain structure and function. In this talk, Dr. Lazar presented data concerning the impact of meditation, yoga and tai chi on brain structure and function, discussing both similarities and differences across modalities. She also discussed how these brain changes are relevant to reduction of symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and pain. Dr. Lazar presented preliminary evidence about the impact of the meditating therapist of patient outcome.
Dissolving the Mind/Body Division in Acupuncture Medicine Nelson Wong, MAOM, Licensed Acupuncturist, Newton Centre Mr. Wong described the foundational aspects of acupuncture, its philosophy, and specifically how acupuncture doesn’t distinguish between ailments of the mind versus ailments of the body. In other words, problems within the body can have a direct relationship with what Western medicine would normally consider as “just” a problem with the mind.
CLOSING ADDRESS: Mental Health Care for Asian Americans: Cultural Competence in the 21st Century Jean Lau Chin, EdD, ABPP
In today’s society, our communities, institutions, and demographics are becoming increasingly global and diverse. Growth of technology in a digital age makes for rapid and significant change. International travel and communication make us more connected internationally. Yet, how do those factors influence our clinical practice? In this Closing Address, Dr. Chin addressed the following questions: What must we do to be culturally competent across all groups, including Asian Americans—a minority group within the U.S., but a majority of the population in the world? Does the prevailing dominant culture dominate our paradigms of clinical and ethical practice in ways that marginalize or result in poor clinical services to some groups over others?
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BIOGRAPHIES OF PRESENTERS
Dr. Manoj Bhasin is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Director of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). He is also a co-Director of BIDMC, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Center and Senior Investigator at HMS Vascular Biology Center. He is Associate Senior investigator at Benson-Henry institute (BHI) for Mind Body Medicine in Boston. Dr. Bhasin is an experienced genome and systems biology investigator with a strong track record in computational vaccine design, functional genomics, proteomics and systems biology with over 100 scientific publications, multiple patents and copyrighted softwares. He used the power of cutting edge genome and epigenome along with systems biology approaches to identify key pathways and genes associated with beneficial effects of mind-body interventions, which elicit the relaxation response (RR). In collaboration with BHI, his group identified that NF-kB—a key immune system regulator—and its upstream and downstream pathways as central in the response to mind-body approaches. His group has also used the power of BigData and Genomics to develop evidence based next- generation Ayurveda and supplement formulation for management of multiple chronic diseases.
Ms. Betty Chan, MSW, LICSW, has many years of experience as a Clinical Social Worker. She was raised in Hong Kong and as a 1.5 generation child, she moved with her family to Canada then to Brookline where she finished high school at Brookline High. She received her Master’s degree in social work from Boston University School of Social Work. As a bicultural Social Worker, she is passionate about doing anti-oppression work with marginalized communities of color, and working with the Asian American community to assist adolescents and families in navigating cultural and intergenerational conflicts. Ms. Chan has mostly worked in medical settings and, more recently, in a private practice based in Newton where she provides clinical supervision and counseling services. She is currently on the National Association of Social Workers Board (NASW-MA Chapter) where she was a member of the Diversity Task Force. Ms. Chan is the Founding Chair of NASW-MA Chapter’s Asian American Social Workers Special Interest Group (SIG).
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Dr. Jean Lau Chin has held leadership roles as former Dean at Adelphi University, Systemwide Dean at Alliant International University, Executive Director of South Cove Community Health Center, and Co- Director of Thom Mental Health Clinic. Currently, her scholarship is on global and diverse leadership, which includes examining women and ethnic minority issues. She has published numerous books, including Global and Culturally Diverse Leaders and Leadership: Challenges for Business, Education and Society. Dr. Chin is the first Asian American to be licensed as a psychologist in Massachusetts. Active in service to the profession, she is the Past-Chair of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Council Leadership Team and President of the International Council of Psychologists. She is currently running for APA President 2020.
Dr. Kenneth Fung is a Staff Psychiatrist and Clinical Director of the Asian Initiative in Mental Health Program at the Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network; and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. His primary research, teaching, and clinical interests include both cultural psychiatry and psychotherapy. Dr. Fung is the past Chair and current Historian of the Federation of Chinese American and Chinese Canadian Medical Societies, and the past Chair of the Ontario Chapter of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science.
Dr. Danielle Godon-Decoteau is a Visiting Lecturer at Mount Holyoke College in the Psychology and Education Department. She obtained her degree in clinical psychology in 2018 from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her research focuses on Asian American mental health, internalized racism, and transracial adoption. She serves as Treasurer for the Asian American Psychological Association’s new Division of Asian Americans with Multiple Heritages (DoAAMH). As a Korean American transracial and international adoptee, Dr. Godon-Decoteau hopes to raise awareness about the diversity of Asian American experiences.
Dr. Kumiko Ide received her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State University. She is a native of Japan and worked as a family court psychologist in Japan. She has worked mainly with Asian- American and Asian immigrants at South Cove Community Health Center, Family Center, and Cambridge Health Alliance. She has been in private practice since 2009 and sees clients in Arlington and Cambridge. Currently, her clientele includes Asian-American young adults, interracial/cultural couples and families.
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Ms. Jenesse Kaitz is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at Suffolk University. She is currently on internship at the VA of Central Western MA (in Integrated Behavioral Health). Her clinical and research interests are in applying a relational and systems perspective to providing culturally sensitive care for diverse and underserved populations, in particular women's health and primary care. She is the recipient of a 2018 Student Dissertation Award from APA’s Society for Health Psychology (Division 38). Her dissertation’s title is Providers' Perspectives on Women’s Integrated Healthcare: An Exploratory Study.
Dr. Sara W. Lazar is an Associate Researcher in the Psychiatry Department at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Assistant Professor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School. The focus of her research is to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of yoga and meditation, both in clinical settings and in healthy individuals. She is a contributing author to Meditation and Psychotherapy (Guilford Press). She has been practicing yoga and mindfulness meditation since 1994. Her research has been covered by numerous news outlets including The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, and WebMD, and her work has been featured in a display at the Boston Museum of Science.
Dr. Emily Mohr is a primary care psychologist and clinical site manager at Child and Family Psychological Services/Integrated Behavioral Associates. Her clinical work focuses on improving the integration of behavioral health services with primary care. She is passionate about meeting the mental and behavioral health needs of a broadly diverse patient population in a judgment free and compassionate manner. Dr. Mohr received her training at the Universities of Idaho and Utah. She completed postdoctoral fellowships in eating disorder treatment at the River Centre Clinic in Sylvania, Ohio, and Primary Care Behavioral Health at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts. In her spare time, Dr. Mohr enjoys exercise, spending time with her family, and engaging her community in conversation about confronting institutional racism.
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Ms. Thanh Phan is a 2nd-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Program at William James College. She was a clinical trainee at South Cove Community Health Center where she provided individual counseling services to Asian individuals. Next year, she will train at the Home for the Little Wanderers where she will work to provide individual psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and families. Her primary clinical and research interests are in the areas of the stigma of mental health in the Asian population and effective cross-cultural treatment interventions.
Ms. Natasha Ramanayake, MA, MS is a third-year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology doctoral program at Suffolk University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and graduate degrees from Teachers College Columbia University, the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, and Suffolk University. Her research is centered around understanding cultural barriers to mental health and health care. She is also a Teaching Fellow at the Harvard Extension School and a Senior Research Associate supporting program evaluation and policy at Early Childhood Associates, Inc.
Dr. Sukanya Ray is a tenured Associate Professor in Psychology at Suffolk University. She is a native of India and has been trained/worked in India, Australia and USA. She has been a community consultant, researcher, and educator on multicultural and minority/immigrant health issues in the U.S. and abroad. Her research interests include Asian mental health risks, minority community mental health and health disparities, cultural perspectives on eating and body image issues, trauma and resiliency, and Cyberpsychology. Dr. Ray has served as board member in many non-profit community organizations, including Asian Task Force against Domestic Violence in Boston. She is Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Psychological Association’s Ethnic Minority Committee. She recently co- authored two books: Beyond the Campus: Building a Sustainable University-Community Partnership (2013) and Alongside Community: Learning in Service (2017). Dr. Ray received the 2014 Stanley Sue Distinguished Lecture Award for her contribution on diversity education to the field of psychology.
Ms. Kylie Steinhilber is a second-year clinical psychology doctoral student at Suffolk University. She earned her baccalaureate degree from Boston University. Her research endeavors have focused on child development, family systems and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, body image disturbance and eating disorder development. Her research interests have incorporated a systemic feminist perspective on women’s mental health and holistic wellbeing. Ms. Steinhilber views women’s mental health issues as direct consequences of systemic disempowerment of women that is reinforced on multiple interacting levels. Her research focuses primarily on the family microsystem as a potential protective resource which could empower women and promote their well-being. She hopes to extend her feminist perspective to future studies and discourse to promote equity and wellbeing among disparity groups in mental health care.
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Mr. Nelson Wong is a licensed acupuncturist with a private practice in Newton Centre. He graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) University/New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) in 2016 with a Master’s in Oriental Medicine (MAOM), with specialties in Chinese and Japanese acupuncture styles and Chinese herbal medicine. He has held many roles at Brookline Tai Chi: student, teacher, and board member since 2006 and, most recently, as Executive Director. He continues to provide one-on-one, private tai chi and qigong instruction in his practice.
Ms. Ziyi Xiu, M.A., M.Ed., is a 3rd-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Program at William James College. She has broad experiences ranging from school guidance counseling, college student support groups, and in-home therapy services as well as clinical work with children and adults in hospital settings. Next year, she will complete an Advanced Practicum at Chelmsford Public Schools where she will conduct psychological and neuropsychological assessments and provide individual and group psychotherapy to students. Her primary clinical and research interests are in cross-cultural assessments and treatment interventions.
Dr. Albert Yeung is Director of Primary Care Research at the Depression Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is the principal investigator of the study on “Evaluating changes in resting state networks before and after a Tai Chi training Intervention for Chinese Americans with depression”. Dr. Yeung obtained his medical degree from National Taiwan University. He also obtained a master’s degree and a Doctor of Science degree with a major in epidemiology from Harvard School of Public Health. He completed his psychiatry residency training at MGH. Dr. Yeung’s major research interests include integrating primary care and mental health services to improve treatment of depression, mental health issues of underserved populations, and the use of complementary and alternative methods including acupuncture, tai chi, qigong, and mind body group intervention in treating anxiety and depressive disorders. He has authored or co-authored over 100 original articles, numerous book chapters, a book on self-management of depression, and a book on the science of stress.
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CHINESE ART EXHIBIT
Heart Sutra — The Creative & Healing Power of Chinese Calligraphy
Chinese calligraphy is one of the oldest and most revered art forms in the world. It is a unique method of self-empowerment and holistic healing. It is mindful, has meditative benefits, and can be used to promote mental health and well-being.
The inaugural art exhibit featured 30 traditional Chinese calligraphy and contemporary brush paintings from Quanzhou (Jack) Zhao, Lily Chin, members of the Chinese Calligraphy Association, and an ancient Chinese artist.
During the Opening Reception, Chinese Calligrapher Lily Chin gave a demonstration of her artwork, and contemporary ink artist Quanzhou (Jack) Zhao presented a large-scale calligraphy performance.
The art exhibit was on display at William James College from September 27 through October 31, 2018.
Hosted by the Center for Multicultural & Global Mental Health at William James College
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BIOGRAPHIES OF ARTISTS & CALLIGRAPHERS
Lily Y. Chin, RN, BSN
Ms. Lily Chin is an Advisor to the Chinese Calligraphy Association of Boston, Member of the UMass ICI Consumer Advisory Committee, and Chairperson of the Parent Support Group for the Massachusetts Asian Disability Advocacy Coalition. She is also the parent of a Special Needs Child. Lily was born in China and started Chinese calligraphy in grade school in Hong Kong. She came to United States at age 13. She began training again with a master calligraphy teacher when she semi-retired in the 1980s. Lily has been with the Chinese Calligraphy Association of Boston for over 20 years and is an advocate for Chinese calligraphy as a powerful healing art.
Quanzhou (Jack) Zhao
Mr. Quanzhou (Jack) Zhao is an ink art and 3D artist living in Winchester, Massachusetts. His artworks encircle many mediums including brushwork on rice paper, acrylic painting, pencil, ink on canvas, and 3D designs on screen and for print. Zhao’s artworks have a noticeably Chinese literati painting approach encompassing a fresh and contemporary look using elements often consisting of calligraphy, landscapes, birds and flowers. His unique brushstrokes offer the viewers distinctive fluid visual experiences to explore the aesthetics and artistry value of the artist. Zhao views his artworks as a free extension and expression of himself, and often times the techniques he uses derive from deep rooted origins of the Chinese brushworks and calligraphy in which he has been studying and practicing on rice paper since he was a young child. While the subject matter is generally represented in metaphoric fashions and quasi-abstract forms, many of his works capture critical views of the worldwide social issues we are facing today including war, peace and nuclear crisis.
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BIOGRAPHIES OF PERFORMERS
MOULI PAL
Agony to Ecstasy...Radha’s Journey is an expressive story telling dance piece in Odissi style depicting the emotional journey of the lovelorn Radha who has been eagerly awaiting to be with Krishna but finds him in the company of other maidens. The disheartened Radha experiences a range of complex emotions such as jealousy, abandonment and superiority complex. The dancer used facial expressions and hand gestures to depict Radha’s transformation from anguish to bliss.
Mouli Pal is an exponent of Odissi, which is a graceful Indian classical dance style originating from the ancient temples of eastern India. A captivating soloist, Mouli has been presented at prestigious venues such as the Hopkins Center for the Arts in Dartmouth College, Wellesley College Concert Series, Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire, Musical Bridges around the World in San Antonio, Texas, and Blip Collective in Austria. She regularly performs in India and was recently recognized by the National Culture Mission for her contribution to the art form. Mouli is the Founder and Director of Upasana Odissi, Inc., a non-profit organization for the promotion and preservation of Odissi that offers affordable classes and organizes open concerts. Mouli has received several honors and awards, including grants from NEFA - New England Foundation for the Arts (NEST Touring Fund grant and New England Dance Fund) and Mass. Cultural Council.
SUVADIP SENGUPTA
“Hi… This is Suvadip. I started listening to music when I was very young in the lights of Satyajit Ray’s Gupi Bagha but never thought that it would become my passion one day. I started a little late as the burden of education was too much to carry the weight of a single guitar. I started playing guitar after a few years of joining my work...it’s been almost 4 years I am playing that instrument and it has almost become my second wife.... I am also fond of composing and writing my own songs. I hope to publish them one day, as Hope is the only positive thing in this universe...😊😊 Be positive and share love...Thanks.”
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VENDOR
South Asian Workers’ Group – Boston
Ethnic salwar kameez, saree, handbags, earrings, home decor and henna tattoo Art, handicraft, dresses, and ornaments Ghazal, songs and regional music
CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs
SUKANYA RAY, PHD Associate Professor in Psychology, Suffolk University Co-Chair, Ethnic Minority Committee, Massachusetts Psychological Association
GEMIMA ST. LOUIS, PHD Associate Professor, Clinical Psychology Department Co-Director, Center for Multicultural & Global Mental Health Director, Concentration in African & Caribbean Mental Health Director, PATHWAYS Program, Department of Community Engagement William James College
Committee Members
JILL BLOOM, PHD Associate Professor, Clinical Psychology Department Co-Director, Center for Multicultural and Global Mental Health Director, Global Mental Health Concentration William James College
BETTY CHAN, MSW, LICSW Clinical Social Worker Board Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW-MA Chapter)
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Committee Members (cont.)
NATALIE A. CORT, PHD Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology Department Director, Black Mental Health Graduate Academy Core Faculty, Center for Multicultural and Global Mental Health William James College
SONIA SURI, PHD Senior Research & Evaluation Associate William James College
SHYAMALA VENKATARAMAN, PHD Associate Professor, Clinical Psychology Department Member, Curriculum Committee William James College
CATHERINE VUKY, PHD Teaching Faculty, Clinical Psychology Department William James College
SARAH ZIEMINSKI AmeriCorps VISTA Member (2017-2018) Project Coordinator, Center for Multicultural & Global Mental Health William James College
Student Committee Members
LAN HO 2nd Year Student M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling William James College
CYNTHIA SIBOLD 2nd Year Student M.A. in Mental Health Counseling William James College
ZIYI XIU, M.A., M.ED. 3rd Year Student Clinical Psychology Program William James College
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CONFERENCE SPONSORS
The Conference on Asian Mental Health was organized by the Center for Multicultural & Global Mental Health at William James College, and co-sponsored by South Cove Community Health Center and RxOne Healthcare Support Initiative of Macrosoft Associates.
SPECIAL THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Our sincere gratitude goes to:
The Keynote and Invited Speakers The Panelists & Presenters The Artists and Performers Dr. Nicholas Covino Dr. Sukanya Ray The Conference Planning Committee Members Marice Nichols & the Facilities Staff Department of Continuing Education & Information Technology Staff William James College’s Administrators, Faculty, Students and Staff Jean & Lee Kitchen in Newton Upper Falls (Caterer)
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MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM THE CULTURAL CELEBRATION & NETWORKING LUNCHEON
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MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM THE CULTURAL CELEBRATION & NETWORKING LUNCHEON
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