Dr. Yesel Yoon’s Media Contributions

I’ve shared my perspectives on other blogs, in featured articles, interviews, and podcasts. Learn more about what I and other colleagues have to say about perfectionism, burn out and stress, and career transitions.

One of the most enjoyable parts of my work is getting to spread the word about how to take care of yourself outside of the therapy room.

Want more? I am a Contributing Writer at Psychology Today.

Read my blog, “On Second Thought” where I re-examine lessons we’ve taken for granted.

“6 Ways to Build Emotional Intimacy in a RelationshiP”(featured on Zencare)

Are you struggling with a lack of physical, sexual, or emotional intimacy in your close romantic relationship? Try out the following small day-to-day practices to rekindle your bond and feel closer than ever. For example, when it comes to practicing non-judgmental listening:

“We’re so used to laying our own judgments, thoughts, and assumptions on top of our own or others’ thoughts and actions. When we’re too busy listening to the background noise of judgment (e.g. ‘Well, that’s mean…’ or  ‘I have a better point to make than hers…’) and thinking of what to say next, it can be really difficult to stay focused on what your partner is trying to communicate. You’re missing out on a lot of key information. Not only do you miss the words this person is saying, but how they are saying it as well.

It’s a muscle that needs to be exercised, so be patient as you practice non-judgmental listening.

“Getting clearer on your life purpose” (article featured IN the Anxiety Relief Project)

Do you know what is your life purpose? Good news: “finding your life purpose” is entirely more in your grasp and it’s less of a hide-and-seek journey (hence the quotes around “finding”) than it is a series of important questions you can answer if you just take the time. 

“The Why question is rarely asked and that is at the root of developing a clearer sense of our life purpose. Exploring and knowing your life purpose matters because it helps you keep on course with what you believe brings value to your life. When bumps come up in the road, you get lost, tired, and you’re not entirely sure why you’re doing something, then you will have a hard time moving forward. But if you do have meaning and purpose driving your efforts, then you will be more likely to keep trying and to think creatively about ways you can get back on track.”

“Why Asian Parents Don’t Talk About Mental Health (and How to Heal From It)” (Featured on Next Shark)

Have you ever wondered why certain family members struggle to talk about mental health? In some Asian families, the cultural stigma against mental health creates a significant barrier in seeking emotional support. Why are some of the things parents say so hurtful? How can we break the cycle of shame around mental health?

“I don’t think a parent would necessarily see what they are saying or how they are saying their messages as ‘harsh’ and instead they may defend their words as ‘honest’ or ‘truthful.” It’s all relative based on their experiences and for some parents…it is important to recognize the role of intergenerational trauma, parenting, and expectations about behavior. Asian parents often relay similar messages they have heard and do so in the same manner they were experienced. Their own experiences inform how and what they share with their children.”

Therapist Interview with Dr. Yesel Yoon (Featured on ZencarE)

There’s always a little more fun stuff you can learn about your therapist. Read this interview to learn why I chose to become a therapist, what guiding principles inform my work, and what I like to do in my free time.

Zencare asks: What do you find most rewarding about your work: 

Dr. Yesel Yoon: Bearing witness to people's courage and vulnerability. Seeing people move along the process of trusting me, trusting themselves, and trying new ways of relating to their thoughts, feelings, choices.

8 Ways to Make Decisions When You're Overwhelmed With Choices (featured on zencare)

How many of us get stuck between two or more choices and can’t make a decision because we’re afraid of making the wrong one? Maybe you’re unsure how to know which is the “best” decision? Perfectionistic tendencies can kick up when it comes to decision-making…

“By not being able to accept a level of ‘good enough,’ often perfectionists run themselves ragged trying to achieve an unattainable standard of ‘perfect.’

Your values will help guide what your priorities are and what qualities are most meaningful to you," she says. "When you have a clearer sense of these important pieces of information about yourself, making choices can become easier. Rather than it becoming a running list of pros and cons, you can get more clarity by seeing how well a possible choice aligns with the values you hold important in your life.”

How to Love Yourself When You Don’t Know How, According to 13 Experts

Are there times when you’re not entirely sure how much you love yourself? Or maybe you’re struggling to even like yourself right now?

Self-acceptance, self-love, and self-compassion can be cultivated through active practice starting from the inside out.

While it might seem counterintuitive to be nicer and more loving to yourself, this is the foundation for building a stronger sense of self. That stronger self then can be more available for relationships and other areas of your life. You need to build your own foundation and well of love before giving some of that away to others.

Are you interested in speaking with me or collaborating?

I’m always looking to collaborate with others who are also invested in helping others improve their personal lives, careers, and relationships. Reach out and let’s work together!