Where it All Began?

The most common question I've received since entering this industry is, "Why do you do it?”

Although there are a multitude of reasons; a foundational one begins in a small Teochew village in Guangzhou, China. My grandpa ran from violence with his mother atop his back, her bound feet making it impossible for her to move on her own. They landed in what would later be a war-torn Vietnam. Here, he met my grandmother; and although complicated…they eventually had my mom. My dad’s ancestors can hardly be traced, unsure where these ancestries began…I continue to wonder at the history of my ancestry. What I do know is that his mother (my grandmother) survived as a single mother after having her husband taken from her by the cruelty of war. All this to say, by the time my parents met, escaped, and settled in so-called Canada…they only knew how to survive.

My younger self and I continue to be angry that my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents (probably goes further back than this) were reduced to survival - and continue/d to operate out of survival into late life. I became acutely aware of the lack of support and education for my grandparents (who are all now ancestors) and the generations that came after.

This led me to become more involved with the Southeast Asian diaspora and underserved communities. I continue to see how many gaps there are in our systems and in the hearts of those who choose to turn away from responsibility. As I began to explore my community and seek rootedness away from ancestral lands, these gaps became more apparent, and my heart continues to ache as I find kinship with one too many stories that sound awfully familiar.

Being a counsellor does not mean I've arrived at any perfect solution. In fact, although therapy offers space for reflection and liberation, the mental health industry is itself a capitalist and oppressive force in many complicated ways. I share this story both for readers to know me more - as I am, and to invite us into connecting the both/ands of life through storytelling, curiosity, and love.

I hope this gives some insight into where I come from. If this resonates with you, I invite you to join me in building bridges between practitioners, clients, curious beings, and loved ones. I envision this future filled with laughter, tears of both grief and joy, and plenty of repair.

With Love & Solidarity,

Chantel