“I was seen - I who had seldom been seen by anyone.” Ocean Vuong

Therapy for Asian Americans

The Burdens

Do you relate to any of these?

Feeling disconnected from yourself and your family.
Exhausted from having to constantly present a perfect, polished versin of yourself to the world.
Tired of answering “where are you really from?” and don’t feel like you don’t belong here or anywhere.
Feeling unequipped to carry the trauma you inherited from your family.

The Impact

Managing identity struggles, intergenerational traumas, microaggressions, familial expectations, and cultural conflicts is so much more than meets the eye. It can lead to anxiety, depression, trauma, low motivation, and limited sense of self. It can also lead to isolation, withdrawal, and difficulty being vulnerable and building relationships with others.

Though all these experiences may seem overwhelmingly burdensome, it is possible to navigate through these struggles with the right guidance. You can be the person you want to be.

The Intersection of Asian American identity and Mental Health

The intersection of Asian American identity and mental health is not often talked about, in either the Asian American community or the mental health community. Mental health is still very much a taboo topic for many Asian American folks. It is still common to be taught that going to therapy is a sign of weakness, and that the answer to any of your struggles is to “work harder” to deal with it all.

It’s no surprise then, as Asian Americans, we often feel like we don't have an accessible mental health space where our challenges can be understood in the context of our Asian American identities. This may discourage us from pursuing therapy altogether, but safe spaces for healing that accepts, includes, and embraces our Asian American experiences do exist.

The Stigma of Therapy for Asian Americans

In Asian American communities, when we struggle, we may be told “there is nothing wrong with you, you’re just not trying hard enough”, fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of inadequacy and a personal moral failing. And reaching out to a therapist is often further stigmatized, because you shouldn’t “air out your dirty laundry” with strangers.

But wanting to better your mental health through therapy is never something you should be ashamed of. Therapy isn’t an admission of weakness, or that you’ve failed. Therapy is acknowledging that you aren’t superhuman. Therapy is a way of showing up for yourself, and deciding that you are worth it.

Then Why Should I Go to Therapy?

Therapy provides a safe space where you can feel comfortable sharing your concerns and experiences without fear of judgment or shame. You’ll learn how to treat yourself with compassion and warmth, including the parts that you hide away out of shame, pain, or trauma.

In therapy, you are not expected to be anyone other than yourself. And in that safe place, you’ll be able to do the work to change your life, so you can finally be the person you know you can be.

But What About…?

How do I know therapy will help me? It's a big financial cost, what if it doesn't work?

Therapy is not magic (though that would be great!). Coming to therapy will not change your life overnight. It is, however, an investment in yourself to do the hard work that is necessary to see the changes you want. Every human person has the capacity to live a life of contentment and peace that feels aligned with them. And therapy can help you get there.

Does coming to therapy mean I have failed in some way? Is something seriously wrong with me?

Absolutely not! Choosing to come to therapy does not mean you’ve failed. Rather, coming to therapy means you love and care about yourself enough to try something new.

What if others judge me for going to therapy?

Fear of that judgment is very common and understandable, especially for Asian Americans. However, try to not let this deter you. Wanting to better yourself is not wrong. Therapy is a way of investing in your wellbeing, choosing to prioritize yourself, and deciding that you are worth overcoming the struggles and difficulties you face.

Choose Yourself

You deserve to live a life of fulfillment, contentment, and peace. If you’re ready to break the cycle, work towards a life that feels true and genuine to who you are, and become the person you want to be, please contact us for a free consultation.