A Conversation with Mental Health Therapist Wynonna Susilo
Please introduce yourself to our readers!
Hello! My name is Wynonna (she/her) and I am a queer, Asian American mental health therapist. Mental health advocacy has always been an important part of my life as I’ve witnessed and experienced a lack of mental health resources and support while growing up in Asia. When I moved to the U.S., it became apparent that this need also extends to this side of the world, especially for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks.
What does cultural sensitivity and inclusivity mean to you? What do you think it means to have a mental health professional who is culturally sensitive and culturally inclusive?
The disparity in mental health accessibility that I saw within marginalized communities has inspired an ongoing passion for cultural sensitivity and inclusivity within this field. I believe that being culturally responsive and inclusive means acknowledging the impact of societal injustices and trauma that come from the established macrosystem. It also means having the humility and awareness to continually learn and grow from our mistakes.
What steps can individuals and organizations take to make mental health resources more accessible and inclusive?
Changes in the mental health system can’t only come from individuals, but also from larger organizations and leaders in the community. I think that spreading knowledge and awareness of mental health resources and services can encourage individuals to seek out support more easily. Additionally, companies should incorporate training on mental health inclusivity for employers and employees, and ways to implement DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging) principles on a practical level.
What do you think are some of the biggest barriers preventing Asian and BIPOC individuals from seeking mental health resources, and how can we work to address these barriers?
I think that some of the biggest barriers that prevent BIPOC folks from seeking mental health resources are the stigma of mental health illness, the act of asking for help, and a lack of early intervention and education. I think that early education surrounding mental health can spark authentic conversations about mental well-being, which can reduce mental health stigma and increase people’s awareness of available resources.
What advice do you have for someone seeking mental health support?
Seeking help is always a difficult step to take. For those who are needing mental health support but feel held back by stigma, I would say that asking for help takes a lot of courage. I hope you can give yourself credit for your strength that has led you to where you are today, and acknowledge how difficult it is to ask for support. People are more than willing to help and support each other if we give them a chance and practice vulnerability with one another.
How can we create more culturally relevant mental health resources that meet the unique needs and experiences of the Asian community?
Increasing awareness of AAPI authors, speakers, educators, and leaders in the mental health field is one way to create more culturally relevant resources for the AAPI community. By hearing and learning from people with shared beliefs and experiences, people can feel seen, heard, and validated. I think that this can create a sense of belonging and community feeling for AAPI folks.
How can we, as individuals in the Asian community, support each other on a day-to-day basis?
Individuals in the AAPI community can support one another by leaning into our collectivistic and community-based culture. I believe that having a support system can make positive impacts in our mental health, and can serve as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.
What has taking care of your own mental health looked like, and how has it evolved through your lifetime?
Taking care of my mental health has always looked different over the course of my life and in different seasons. As a working professional, it is important for me to practice self-care in and out of the workplace. Self-care for me looks like taking lunch breaks and time-off from work, and engaging in post-work rituals to ensure a work-life balance. Self-care also looks like moving my body, engaging in creative interests and hobbies, and investing quality time in my community.
What has your personal experience been around mental health stigma and shame?
Growing up in Indonesia and Singapore, there were no discussions about mental health or any resources for support. In Indonesia, the language of mental health doesn’t exist. In my upbringing, I would often hear the word “gila”, which literally means “crazy”, that is used to describe folks who struggle with mental illnesses. Mental health hospitals were also inadequately funded and people would be treated poorly in these facilities. As a result of this, there is a lot of shame for individuals who struggle with their mental health, and people are often silenced in their suffering.
What would you like to see Fauna do to contribute to better support Asian mental health?
I think Fauna is a positive, forward movement to create inclusivity and advocacy for mental health within the AAPI community. It would be wonderful to see Fauna grow and impact larger community spaces,such as providing training on mental health inclusivity or perhaps facilitating a support group in companies or organizations to encourage authentic conversations about mental well-being.
Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your insights and experiences with us and our community! You can learn more about Wynonna below!
About Wynonna
Wynonna Susilo, MA, LMHC
My name is Wynonna (she/her) and I am a queer & BIPOC therapist specializing in BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ mental health. I draw from a variety of human-centered, evidence-based theories that include Adlerian psychology, Person-Centered therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also employ Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy to facilitate more insight about one’s internal experiences through the creative process of art-making.
I am passionate about building empathetic and collaborative relationships with my clients to increase their self-awareness and self-compassion through exploration of values and inner strengths; to find a sense of belonging and connection with others; and to help individuals bridge the gap between their worldview and actions. I work from an anti-oppressive, social justice framework that focuses on dismantling the oppressive structures we have internalized. My therapeutic space is relationally focused and process-oriented, with emphasis on the intersection between one’s cultural narratives and lived experiences. I am honored to hold space for all identities, in all bodies. No matter what your needs are, I prioritize inclusive, affirming, and culturally responsive care.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the State of Washington (LH61291160 ) working in Seattle. I received my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy from Adler University in Chicago, Illinois. My professional background includes working with adult cancer patients in a hospital setting, providing clinical support for Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant recipients, leading group therapy for adults with mood-related disorders, and providing individual and family therapy for adults at a Partial Hospitalization Program. My clinical interests include working with individuals with mood- and anxiety-related disorders, trauma-related disorders, and helping individuals develop their racial, cultural, and social identities. I am trained in a variety of evidence-based treatments, which are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
