Khmer Courageous Conversations
A safe community process group for Khmer second generation to talk about hard topics under the supervision of a Ph.D clinically licensed therapist.
You deserve space to process.
Let’s heal together.
In 2022, I noticed that many second-generation Cambodian Americans were craving a safe space to discuss incredibly difficult topics such as intergenerational trauma. Let’s face it – there are many challenges that come along with being a child of a refugee and we too need our own safe spaces to heal.
I met Dr. Sochanvimean, a Cambodian Ph.D. doctor with a license in clinical psychology who is passionate about working with fellow Cambodians. He has seen firsthand how the Khmer Rouge can affect mental health and knows that it can take a toll on survivors and their families. After having him as a guest on the Death in Cambodia podcast, I realized we both shared a strong desire to start the healing process in our 2nd generation community. Dr. Sochanvimean and I decided to collaborate and create a free, online safe space for 2nd generation Cambodians to have genuine, vulnerable, and difficult discussions on topics that are often overlooked.
If there is anything that I’ve learned in the past year, it is this lesson –– silence gets us nowhere, and “sweeping it under the rug” is never the answer. Khmer Courageous Conversations is our attempt to peel back the layers and open the door of healing for future generations.
We may not have everything, but the one thing we DO have is each other. You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s heal together.
Love,
Khmer Courageous Conversations
Attendees must be Cambodian in order to register for Khmer Courageous Conversations.
This is NOT therapy, but a process group/discussion group with the guidance of a licensed clinical therapist.
Privacy. Everything shared within the sessions must stay within the sessions.
One person speaking at a time.
Be respectful. No calling people out, attacking others. Host facilitators have the right to remove anyone who we feel is a threat to the community.
In efforts to manage time, we may potentially limit speaking time per person.
Please check in with yourself as we are discussing hard topics. If you need further assistance, please see our recommended list of resources and ways to find therapists or additional support.
FAQs
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No, this is NOT therapy. This is a process / discussion group that is facilitated with a licensed clinical doctor in the room.
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Every session, co-facilitators will remind everyone of the community rules. We will present the topic of the day, and closely monitor discussion as everyone shares their thoughts. The last 5 minutes will be dedicated to a grounding exercise.
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Yes, we require that attendees identify as Cambodian to register for these events.
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We estimate to be about 1.5 Hours.
Disclaimers and Rules:
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Every session will have a theme or general topic. In the future we plan on covering other topics such as family relationships, Cambodian identity, toxic characteristics in the community, etc.
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Co-hosts will monitor and facilitate the flow of discussion, however you are not required to speak unless you are comfortable in doing so.
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Absolutely. Dr. Sochanvimean will closely monitor the discussion and will remove anyone in the group who seems a threat to the community discussion. We will also be providing a list of resources for those who feel triggered negatively and are searching for more support.
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No, you may choose which sessions you prefer to attend based on the topic being discussed.
