You deserve to feel seen.

Online therapy for First Generation Americans

It’s not easy growing up in the US when you are a part of an immigrant family. First generation Americans go through so many unique struggles that neither Americans whose families have been here for generations nor folks from your family’s home country can understand. It may feel like you have one foot in each culture, straddling them while struggling to find balance and figure out who you are. You may be noticing that it’s hard for you to feel truly accepted by the different groups of people in your life. When you’re home with your family you get told you’re too American, while at school or work you’re receiving subtle messages that you’re not American enough. It can be hard to connect with a sense of true belonging.

What everyone else doesn’t seem to understand

You may struggle with setting boundaries, feeling the need to be always available for those who need your help, and especially so when it comes to family. It’s hard to be vulnerable and speak openly about your feelings when that may have been discouraged within your family for the sake of preserving harmony. Even just figuring out what emotions you are feeling can be a monumental task when you haven’t been taught that vocabulary. You may also feel burdened with a sense of duty to your family, desiring to fulfill their hopes and goals for you, while feeling unsure if those goals are also aligned with what you want. This experience can feel very isolating and painful to navigate.

Is therapy for me?

While seeking help for your mental health might not be encouraged in your heritage culture, talking to a therapist who gets these issues can be a game-changer. My clients start working with me because they’re tired of feeling alone in these problems, and they want to feel heard while gaining clarity and insight.

Therapy may be for you if:

  • You’re feeling constricted by cultural expectations (whether they be about career choice, gender roles, religious practices, etc.) and you need a safe space to explore these feelings

  • You’re noticing difficulties in how you manage conflict, and you’d like to see your communication improve

  • You’re afraid of choosing a different path and disappointing your family, even if that path feels more “you”

  • You’re struggling to connect with your sense of self and feel strong in your identity

But will this actually help me?

You may notice guilt coming up for thinking that your problems are “bad enough” to warrant going to therapy. After all, your parents dealt with the stress of leaving their lives in their home country behind to give you opportunities that they didn’t have. However, this doesn’t change the fact that the struggles you’re experiencing are real, and you deserve a safe and confidential space to process these issues.

Therapy with a multicultural lens can help you with:

  • Breaking the cycles of emotional repression and chronic shame 

  • Unlearning constant productivity as a source of self-worth 

  • Feeling empowered to stand behind personal wants, values, and goals while maintaining connection to your heritage culture

  • Setting realistic boundaries that still honor cultural values and family

  • Feeling more connected to yourself and your emotions while gaining confidence in your cultural identity 

Online Therapy for Multicultural Concerns

Online counseling offers flexibility and comfort without sacrificing quality of care. With online counseling, you’re not limited to seeing therapists in your area, and you can meet for sessions from the comfort of your home, or any confidential space. I am excited to work with clients who are ready to dig deep and connect with themselves in new ways while exploring the complicated layers of their cultural identity. My goal for my clients is to help them strengthen their emotional insight, identify and feel confident in their values, and start making changes in their lives aligned with those values.

During your first session, we’ll go over your intake paperwork, talk about your goals for counseling, and collaboratively come up with a plan that addresses your needs. In ongoing sessions, we will explore your life story and identify the events and themes that shape your self-perception while helping you create a new narrative that represents your authentic self. It may feel intimidating when you first start therapy, but what we talk about and the pace at which we go is completely up to you. We might get deep and talk about the heavy stuff, or we might talk about how the news is irritating you to pieces. Either way, it’s all welcome, it’s all confidential, and you are guiding the conversation. Let’s work together so you can start living confidently in your identity and feel solid in your boundaries.

Ready to take the next step?

  • Reach out

    Fill out the contact form and I will get in touch with you within one business day to schedule your free 15-minute phone or video consultation

  • Consultation

    We’ll chat about what you’d like to work on in therapy to ensure I’m a good fit for your needs and to answer any questions you have

  • Begin your journey

    We will get you scheduled for your intake appointment so you can start reaching your goals

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