October is Filipino American History Month, a time to honor the generations who built lives and communities here. It's also the start of something new: our newsletter will now come to you weekly. We're so glad you're here.
HONORING WHERE WE COME FROM
The first recorded Filipinos arrived on the California coast at Morro Bay in October 1587. More than four centuries later, our families are still writing that story, through farmworkers and nurses, Lolas and Titas, and children of immigrants learning to live in two worlds at once.
Lately, that story is showing up where the whole world can see it. This fall, DreamWorks released Forgotten Island, the first major Hollywood animated film built around Filipino folklore, with a cast that includes H.E.R., Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, and Jo Koy. Add artists like Bruno Mars, who proudly shares his Filipino roots, and it's clear we are more visible than ever.
For those of us who grew up rarely seeing ourselves reflected, these moments can bring pride and joy, and sometimes a little grief for the younger you who didn't get to see this. Both can be true.
Being seen matters, and that includes being seen by yourself.
Many of our parents and grandparents survived by working hard, not complaining, and keeping the family together no matter what. Those strengths are real. But sometimes they came with quieter messages: that our feelings come last, that rest must be earned, or that asking for help means we've failed.
In Filipino culture, kapwa speaks to a shared self: your wellbeing is bound up with mine. It's why we show up for one another, and it's a reminder that we belong inside that circle of care too. Taking care of yourself can be one of the ways you honor your family.
This month, we invite you to reflect:
โข What did your family teach you about strength?
โข What would you like to keep, and what are you ready to do differently?
You can carry your family's strength and still set down what was never yours to hold.
If you'd like a space to explore this with someone who understands the cultural layers, we'd be honored to walk alongside you. Whenever you're ready, reach out for a free consultation.
NOW WELCOMING NEW CLIENTS: CLARISSA JOVELLANOS, LCSW
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We're excited to share that Clarissa Jovellanos, LCSW, has completed Brainspotting Phase 1 training and is now welcoming new clients: 17- and 18-year-olds, college students, and young professionals.
Clarissa is a second-generation Filipina-American who grew up in a multigenerational household in San Jose. She brings 10 years of experience supporting adolescents, young adults, and families. She specializes in working with young people from immigrant families who are navigating cultural identity, family expectations, and life transitions, especially when anxiety, stress, or self-doubt show up while they try to honor their family and themselves at the same time.
Her approach is collaborative and culturally responsive. As she puts it, therapy with her "is not about fixing yourself or having everything figured out." She draws on CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, Narrative, and Family Systems therapy, and now Brainspotting.
Sessions: In person in San Ramon and by telehealth throughout California
Insurance: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, and Lyra EAP
Know a young person who might be a good fit? Feel free to forward this email, or have them reach out to hello@sweetmangotherapy.com to schedule a free consultation. Referral partners, we always welcome your referrals
Sweet Mango Therapy Group, Inc.'s mission is to provide compassionate and culturally responsive psychotherapy that empowers Filipina/x/o and AAPI women and families to overcome mental health challenges and thrive.
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