Therapy for the Asian Community

You deserve to have a space where you feel listened to, understood, and safe. It is common for the Asian community to feel as though they do not have permission to express their emotions or to seek help outside the family because it is culturally taboo. Maybe you have been taught to keep your head down, your feelings in check, and to work hard to get ahead in life. You may have been taught that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down, so you do your best to go unnoticed. However, even if you attain “success” in your family’s eyes, your mental health suffers. Maybe teachers have made snap judgments about your intelligence based on your skin or your boss has overlooked your work or made insensitive comments about your culture. Or you’ve been bullied or singled out because of how you speak, how you look, or what you eat, and the streets no longer feel safe to walk alone. 

Issues Faced by the Asian community: 

• Stigma: In many Asian cultures, seeking help with personal issues outside the family will bring shame and dishonor upon your reputation in the community. Oftentimes, any mention of a mental illness labels you as broken, so you feel like you must struggle by yourself. 
• Racial Trauma and Micro-aggressions: When you are Asian and you live in America, you are often treated as the perpetual outsider. Whether you were born here or have immigrated from Asia, you may face racial discrimination ranging from assault, bullying, being asked where you come from or to go back home, or inappropriate jokes about your face, body or voice. 
• Multicultural Identity Issues: Understanding your identity can be a lifelong journey, but it can feel even more confusing when you are torn between multiple identities, such as your Asian heritage, your American values, as well as your gender, sexuality and more. 
• Intergenerational Trauma: Relationships with family can be tough, especially within a culture that emphasizes filial piety and putting the collective over personal needs. For some, showing and communicating love can be confusing in a culture where there may be a lack of physical and emotional affection, or when families often communicate in indirect and hushed manners. While some of these behaviors may once have been beneficial, they may now cause hardship when repeated in your own social or romantic relationships.  

Benefits of Attending Therapy with an Asian Therapist:

• Cultural Understanding: Perhaps you’ve been in therapy before but felt exhausted from constantly educating your therapist on your background or experience. Asian therapists often have a deeper understanding of the cultural and racial experiences of their clients, which can lead to more empathetic and effective therapy. 
• Reduced Stigma: Asian clients may feel more comfortable discussing their mental health concerns with a therapist who shares their racial background, reducing stigma and increasing openness. 
• Culturally Competent Care: Asian therapists are more likely to provide culturally competent care, addressing the unique challenges faced by Asian individuals and integrating culturally relevant therapeutic techniques. 
• Empowerment: Therapy with an Asian therapist can empower clients by validating their experiences, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting self-compassion and self-worth. 

Common Fears about attending therapy:

When you're considering therapy, it's natural to have concerns. For many Asian/Asian-American individuals, there's often a fear of being stigmatized or misunderstood due to racial stereotypes. You might worry that your therapist won't truly grasp your cultural background or the unique challenges you face, which can create a sense of isolation. There might be concerns about encountering micro-aggressions or racial biases during sessions which can also weigh heavily on your mind. It's crucial to acknowledge these fears and actively seek out therapists who are culturally competent and understanding to ensure you receive the support you deserve.

At Knew You Psychotherapy, we understand these fears and are here to support you through the process. One of the key strengths of Knew You Psychotherapy is its emphasis on providing therapists who not only understand your unique experiences but also share your cultural background. This approach recognizes that having an Asian therapist who can personally relate to your journey can be immensely valuable. This also ensures that your therapy experience is not just empathetic but also empowering, validating your experiences and fostering personal growth.

How does beginning therapy work at Knew You Psychotherapy? 

At Knew You Psychotherapy, therapy begins with a free 15-20 minute consultation call with one of our Intake Coordinators. During the consultation, you and the intake coordinator will have a chance to further discuss what is bringing you to therapy, your therapeutic goals, your therapeutic history, and answer any questions you may have. The intake coordinator will also help determine the therapist that is the best match for you and schedule your first appointment.

Note: if you prefer to have a consultation call with a specific therapist, please let us know. 

Our therapists believe in the importance of building a therapeutic alliance and a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Our goal is to support you and provide you with a safe space where you can be your authentic self to explore how your past experiences have influenced your present. We understand that psychotherapy is a Western concept, but we are committed to providing a culturally sensitive approach that respects your culture in an inclusive way. Our therapists work collaboratively with clients to identify triggers and develop personalized coping strategies to achieve goals. 

Seeking professional help can be an effective way to improve your quality of life. Knew You Psychotherapy offers a range of therapy services to support you, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness, psychodynamic and attachment therapy, and Gottman Method for couples counseling. 

If you're ready to be linked to a therapist who truly gets you, schedule a consultation call and one of our highly qualified Intake Coordinators will then reach out to you to schedule your first session and guide you on your journey towards finding the right therapist for you.