In THE BONESETTER’S DAUGHTER, we learn LuLing’s life story, both the traumas and joys. But as an audience member walking a mile in LuLing’s shoes, a theater production can bring up connections to our own lives. You may notice lots of emotions bubbling up to the surface. What can you do before, during, and after the show to help you, or anyone you’re with, process in a healthy way?
Mara Palma (actor, THE BONESETTER’S DAUGHTER) talks with Mylene Eduvala, LCSW (Founder, @Therapy_Nuggets) and discusses 4 Mental Health Care Tips You Can Use When a Show Brings up Emotions. This 20-minute educational video draws on Mylene’s experience as a psychotherapist working with individuals who suffer from anxiety, depression, and trauma, along with Mara’s experience as a professional actor and her teaching artistry working with students on foundational storytelling and theater. Audiences can watch this video prior to seeing the show, but is especially encouraged for those who have already seen a performance of THE BONESETTER’S DAUGHTER and who may find they’re still processing some of the themes of the play.
Note: Spoiler alert for a moment referenced in Act One involving Mother and Precious Auntie.
MYLENE EDUVALA is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in San Diego, CA. She is the owner of Eduvala Counseling where she practices as a psychotherapist for teens and adults who are seeking support for their mental health. Mylene specializes in Anxiety Disorders (including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Body Dsymorphia, and Panic), Depression and Mood Disorders, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorders.
Mylene received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University, while completing her internship at the Center for Behavioral Teratology. Mylene went on to receive her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. During her graduate years, she had opportunities to support underserved communities through her work with Girls, Inc. as well as military families at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego. Mylene dedicated her career to serving the mental health community through her work at UC San Diego’s Department of Psychiatry, Alvarado Parkway Institute, and Rogers Behavioral Health.
Along with her work at her private practice, Mylene continues to serve as an advocate for mental health, particularly in the AAPI community. She currently focuses her work on delivering psychoeducation to the community to break mental health stigma. Mylene provides individual counseling, workshops, and coaching to AAPI families to help break generational trauma while creating healthier relationships.
MARA PALMA is a teaching and performing artist who helps young people develop their leadership skills through creative expression and imagination as they gain the self-confidence to share their Stand-Out Stories with their communities.
Mara graduated from Wellesley College with a dual degree in Theatre Studies and Political Science, where she contributed a piece to The Wellesley Globalist. She has taught students and educators through in-person and online workshops with the Center Theatre Group in LA, the Seattle Theater Group, and Campbell Hall’s Creative Arts Academy. Her proudest accomplishments include working to launch after-school musical theater clubs in Seattle and Los Angeles through the Disney Musicals in Schools program. Mara’s work as a performer has been featured in The Seattle Times, Broadway World Seattle, Drama in the Hood, and NWAsian Weekly.
She is passionate to discuss how the arts should be accessible to more BIPOC youth and the performing arts’ capacity to build personal growth, leadership, and teamwork for our young future world leaders.