On October 11, 2025, Therapicasso hosted a morning mental health workshop for parents at Ynez Elementary School centered around the theme of understanding mental health in families. Organized as a part of the school’s “Coffee With the Principal” meeting led by Dr. Janice Phan, Ynez's Principal, the workshop provided parents with a unique opportunity to connect and reflect together in a supportive community setting.

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During the activity, parents read a series of “I Wish You Knew” statements, such as “I wish you knew the sacrifices I’ve made” and tallied how many statements they found relatable. The goal of this activity was to help parents acknowledge their feelings–many of which are often left unspoken due to shame or fear of judgment. However, by seeing how many others related to the same thoughts, participants were reminded that they are not alone in their struggles. This activity emphasized the importance of acknowledging one’s struggles while still creating space for personal growth.

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Following the reading activity, parents broke into small discussion groups and shared the statements that resonated with them most deeply. These vulnerable conversations eventually evolved into meaningful discussions about the challenges that come with parenting and the desire to better communicate with their children; active listening, validating emotions, and supporting their children’s evolving identities emerged as key themes throughout the conversations. 

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As the Monterey Park Cascades Newspaper wrote, “Ynez principal Dr. Janice Phan notes how valuable the presentation and conversations were, with parents eager to continue sharing their stories and supporting one another.” Parents and staff members alike witnessed the positive impact that can come from something as simple as an honest, introspective conversation.

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The workshop fostered a safe space in which parents felt empowered to voice their experiences and learn from one another. By bringing light to these shared challenges, Therapicasso was able to foster a deeper sense of self-reflection and acceptance that parents will continue to draw upon in their everyday lives.