AMHP x Dr. Cat Liang - Reclaim Your Body: An Introductory Workshop
Asian Mental Health Project with Dr. Catherine Liang present: Reclaim Your Body: An Introductory Workshop
Many of us women and femmes learned from an early age to be afraid of being "Too Much" - too emotional, too sensitive, too intense. We protect ourselves by becoming smaller, quieter, less visible. And over time, our bodies can get stuck there. Join Dr. Cat Liang, psychologist and pole dancer, for a morning of unlearning this fear and reclaiming your voice, your sensuality, and the space your body was always meant to take up.
The workshop will begin with guided journaling activities, then Dr. Cat will lead a trauma-informed sensual movement class. We’ll close with a talking circle to process the experience. Everything is at your own pace, and completely optional. All movement will be on the ground. No sharing will be required. No prior dance experience is necessary.
What to bring: A yoga mat, a journal or notebook and writing utensil, water, and comfortable clothing you can move in.
A note on photography: A photographer will be present to take photos of Dr. Cat leading this workshop for the Liberated Collective website. If you’d rather not appear in any images, simply set up in the no-photo area, no explanation needed, and the photographer will keep you out of the frame.
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Dr. Cat Liang (PSY35922) is a licensed clinical psychologist, an instructor of sensual movement for 12 years, and a published researcher on the use of dance for trauma. She founded Liberated Collective Movement & Psychology, a private practice in Highland Park, Los Angeles where she integrates pole dancing with psychotherapy. She is also a queer, Chinese American, survivor of complex trauma. Her greatest passion is helping other survivors reclaim safety, power, and liberation through the mind–body connection.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF) for supporting this event through the Asian Women Leaders in Philanthropy grant. APCF 's mission is to cultivate philanthropists to invest in organizations that empower underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities to prosper by increasing philanthropy among AANHPI individuals and sustaining and growing the AANHPI nonprofit sector.
FAQs
How much is it to attend the event?
Entry is free! Space is limited, so please consider your RSVP your commitment to attend. If you can no longer attend for whatever reason, we ask that you kindly cancel your RSVP so more folk will be able to attend.
Am I able to donate to the event?
While the event is FREE is attend, donations to Dr. Cat Liang and/or Asian Mental Health Project are welcome to continue supporting the accessibility, sustainability, and longevity of our free community care programs/events. Below is a donation guideline based on financial circumstances:
Pay-it-forward rate ($80) if many of the following apply:
I have a high income or strong earning potential.
I receive unearned or gifted income.
I or my family have significant assets (e.g., property, investments).
I completed my education without student debt.
My housing is or has been paid for by someone else.
Sustaining rate ($40) if many of the following apply:
I have a middle income and meet my basic needs without strain.
I can afford regular dining out or leisure activities.
I am able-bodied.
My family has higher education and some assets (e.g., home, retirement).
Reduced rate ($20) if many of the following apply:
I am sick, disabled, or face systemic barriers that limit my income.
I have essential health costs or struggle with debt.
I have student loans and come from a first-generation or low-asset background.
I support others financially and lack family/generational support.
Full scholarship (free) if many of the following apply:
I am unemployed or underemployed and struggling to meet basic needs.
I have no discretionary income or access to family wealth or support.
I face systemic barriers (e.g., housing, immigration, disability, discrimination).
I could not attend this workshop without a full scholarship.
Is it required for me to stay the whole time if I attend?
We’d love for you to stay and enjoy the whole event, but folks are welcome to come and go as they please.
Do I need to have experience in certain types of movement?
Not at all! You don’t need any dance or movement experience—just a willingness to explore sensual movement as a healing practice for the sometimes difficult things we carry as women and femmes.
Do I need to bring anything to the event?
Bring a water bottle, your journal and pen, and a yoga mat.
Is there parking?
There is plenty of street parking in the neighborhood, but the studio also has a small parking lot.
What are the COVID protocols?
Please exercise caution and stay home if you are feeling sick!
Can I attend the event even though I do not Identify as Asian?
This event aims to center and uplift Pan-Asian community, and particularly for this event - Asian women and femmes. However, we welcome folks and allies from all identities and backgrounds to join us!
Is this event ADA-compliant?
The studio is only accessible via a flight of stairs and is not ADA-compliant.
Is this event all ages?
This event is suitable for everyone ages 18+.
Will the event be photographed?
Photos and footage will be captured for the purposes of showcasing the event on our social media platforms and for website advertisement.
Will there be food and drinks?
Food and drinks will not be offered at this event. Feel free to bring your own water and anything you might need to feel hydrated/nourished in this movement workshop.
Are animals allowed?
Only service animals are allowed, in accordance with disability access laws. We kindly ask that pets stay home.
For more questions prior to the event, please email community@asianmentalhealthproject.com and/or info@drcatliang.com
Thank you! <3