Mental Health Series: Understanding and Setting Boundaries in a Cultural Context | March 2025 Session
Description: This session focuses on the importance of boundaries in maintaining mental health, particularly within the cultural context of the Overseas Vietnamese (OV) community. It aims to help participants recognize cultural influences on boundary dynamics, navigate feelings of resistance or guilt, and develop strategies for healthy boundary-setting.
Objectives:
Educate participants on the concept of boundaries and their importance for mental health.
Explore cultural influences on boundary-setting, including collectivism, filial piety, and interdependence in Vietnamese culture.
Explore communication styles and expectations in Vietnamese culture.
Provide practical tools for identifying unhealthy expectations and setting boundaries in a culturally respectful way.
Create a safe space for participants to share experiences, reflect on challenges, and support one another.
Outcomes: By the end of the session, participants will:
Gain a deeper understanding of boundaries and their role in mental health.
Recognize how cultural values influence boundary-setting and learn strategies to navigate challenges.
Feel empowered to set healthy boundaries while maintaining respect for cultural norms.
Build a sense of community and mutual support with others in the OV community.
Key Content:
Definition of boundaries: physical, emotional, and relational.
Cultural influences on boundaries: collectivism, filial piety, and interdependence in Vietnamese culture.
Common challenges: guilt, fear of conflict, and resistance from family or community.