Read below to see if any of these statements resonate with you.

• I identify more with American culture than with my parents’ culture, which has caused conflicts between us. They want me to preserve their traditional culture and pass it down to my children.
• While I appreciate my parents’ tremendous sacrifice for me, it stresses me out when they expect my obedience in return with my decisions about school, my career, and my relationships.
• I often feel torn between fulfilling my parents’ expectations and pursuing my own desires in life. I experience guilt when I am unable to do what they want.
• Despite my efforts to meet my parents’ expectations, I have always felt like it was never good enough.
• Anxiety plagues me at work, in relationships, and in general over minor issues. I panic when I make mistakes and do not feel confident in my life.
• Thoughts like, “I do not belong anywhere” and “They do not want me here” are difficult for me to shake off.

A unique challenge

The idea of talking to someone other than your family and friends about personal matters may be a foreign concept to you. Your cultural background may discourage it and you may experience guilt and shame about discussing family matters with a stranger. For these reasons, many immigrant families facing challenges avoid seeking professional help and end up suffering unnecessarily.

Getting help from a professional who is trained to be an attentive listener without judgment can help you:

• Explore family trauma history and cultural heritage.
• Understand generational trauma and discover how to break the cycle.
• Learn healthy coping skills to manage stress and anxiety.
• Improve your relationships with your family.
• Learn to discern which values you want to embrace and which you want to discard.
• Communicate your thoughts and emotions effectively.
• Boost confidence in work and social settings.
• Navigate your identity and create your own path