Understanding the Experience: Working with Adult Children of Immigrants

As a child of immigrants myself, I understand firsthand the unique challenges that come with growing up between cultures. Navigating the expectations of your family while forging your own path in the United States - especially in California, where many immigrant communities thrive - can be both enriching and deeply complex.

Adult children of immigrants often carry a mix of pride and pressure, balancing cultural traditions with personal identity. Many experience:

• Intergenerational expectations - A sense of duty to fulfill family hopes and dreams, often at the expense of personal goals.

• Guilt and obligation - Feeling responsible for the well-being of parents or younger siblings, particularly in households where language or financial barriers exist.

• Identity struggles - A sense of belonging in neither their family’s homeland nor the mainstream American culture.

• Boundary challenges - Difficulty establishing independence while maintaining close family ties.

• Emotional suppression - The pressure to be “strong” or “successful” without acknowledging personal struggles with anxiety, depression, or burnout.

How I Approach Therapy:

My work is rooted in culturally responsive care that acknowledges these challenges while fostering self-compassion, resilience, and personal agency. I integrate:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help challenge limiting beliefs and develop healthier thought patterns.

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support clients in aligning their values with meaningful action.

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to cultivate emotional awareness and reduce anxiety.

• Narrative Therapy to explore family stories and redefine personal identity on your own terms.

• Intergenerational Trauma Work to address the psychological impact of inherited struggles and create healthier relational patterns.

Therapist is a space where you can explore your experiences without judgement, strengthen your own voice, and develop strategies to navigate your relationships and personal growth with confidence.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. Therapy can be a powerful tool for unpacking these experiences, setting boundaries, and embracing both your cultural heritage and your individuality. Let’s work together to create a path forward that honors both where you come from and where you want to go.