EXPLORE. VALIDATE. GROW.
Culturally Responsive Therapy
Serving Bicultural/Multicultural Adults through Online Therapy in California
Does this sound familiar?
“I don’t feel like I belong anywhere.”
“What if people don’t like the real me?”
“I feel guilty and selfish for putting my needs first.”
“I will never be good enough.”
Trying to meet the expectations of others has left you feeling exhausted and alone.
Let’s face it. It’s incredibly hard to balance between your multiple identities. Oftentimes, you feel responsible for upholding the expectations of your family and heritage. Add to that, there’s a lot of pressure from society, the media, and peers for you to act a certain way. Silently struggling with overwhelming feelings to conform has taken a massive toll on your wellbeing. You’re wondering: Who am I when I’m not trying to be someone else?
It seems like no one really understands or accepts who you are. Constantly being unsure of your own values, beliefs, and behaviors has left you in a constant sense of anxiety, disconnection, and confusion.
You’re wondering if it’s even possible to be who you truly are.
It is possible to live a life where you can truly embrace who you are and where you come from, and act in ways that align with your values and beliefs.
Identifying as a bicultural or multicultural individual offers its unique challenges. But there is so much resilience that comes from your roots. Tending to your family, heritage, and others first can actually be very meaningful. It can promote a sense of satisfaction, strengthen your relationships with others, and give your life a sense of purpose. But constantly trying to appease everyone else’s wishes will cause feelings of disconnection, emptiness, and overwhelm. You’ll start to base your worth on how others see you. Trust me—I’ve been through it too. I can’t tell you how many times I have said yes, even though I really wanted to say no. You’ve spent your entire life prioritizing the needs and wants of others, but the most important person you’re forgetting is yourself.
Yes, they are important. But so are you.
HOW CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE THERAPY WORKS
Belonging to more than one cultural group requires you to navigate the diverse norms and values from each of your cultural affiliations. In turn, intergenerational cultural conflict and trauma can lead to feelings of being torn, or thoughts of shame and guilt. As children of immigrants or refugees, the result of always trying to live up to others’ expectations is that you don’t know what you care about independent of external input. Oftentimes, you don’t feel like you either fit in or belong anywhere. When you enter therapy with me, I help you identify the parts that make you, you. We’ll bring curiosity to your racial, ethnic, and cultural makeup so you can honor what matters most from your conflicting worlds, and discover new ways to show up more genuinely.
Together, we’ll work on:
Being Curious
Dig beneath the surface, uncover hidden beliefs and motivations that shape your behaviors and choices. Explore your heritage, family, and ancestral roots.
Being Compassionate
Cultivate a sense of patience towards yourself. Find acceptance that being bicultural/multicultural is a unique and valuable aspect of your identity, while also recognizing the challenges and conflicts that may arise.
Being Empowered
Discover clarity in your core values, beliefs, and life purpose so you can navigate the complexities of being a bicultural/multicultural person with grace and resilience.
CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE THERAPY CAN HELP YOU:
➴ Find peace and confidence in yourself
➴ Authentically show up in your relationships with compassion and respect
➴ Make decisions that align with your values, beliefs, and purpose in life
➴ Set limits for others without the heavy weight of shame or guilt
➴ Prioritize your wellbeing and clearly communicate your wants and needs
Your wellbeing is worth investing in.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Culturally responsive therapy approach is an essential framework that acknowledges the diverse backgrounds and identities of individuals. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting cultural values, beliefs, and experiences in therapy. This therapeutic approach recognizes that your cultural background(s) have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being.
As a culturally responsive therapist, I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where clients feel validated and understood, promoting collaborative and equitable therapeutic relationships. By incorporating cultural knowledge and sensitivity into the therapeutic space, I can tailor interventions and techniques to meet your unique needs, ultimately promoting positive outcomes and fostering a greater sense of empowerment and healing.
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No. Therapy is a powerful tool that extends far beyond providing support for those who have experienced trauma or mental health crises. It is a misconception to believe that therapy is only beneficial for these individuals. In fact, therapy can be a transformative experience for anyone seeking personal growth, self-discovery, or even just a space to process life's challenges.
When you enter therapy with me, I offer a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your emotions, gain insights into your patterns of thinking and behavior, and develop strategies to enhance your overall well-being. Therapy can help you improve your relationships, manage stress, strengthen self-esteem, navigate life transitions, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and fulfillment.
Regardless of whether an individual has experienced trauma or not, therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone striving to live a more meaningful and authentic life.
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Fill out the contact form and you will receive an email with a link to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me. I’ll answer any questions you have, discuss what led you to look for therapy for existential anxiety, depression, and grief. If we determine we’re a good fit, our first appointment will be scheduled. I look forward to hearing from you!