Intro

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be a strong and independent person, but it can become a toxic thing once we ignore our emotional needs and deny ourselves the help that we need.

The immigrant experience is unique and can be complicated at times, and so trying to be independent from a community or from getting expert help may do you more harm than good.

When we do not allow ourselves these moments of vulnerability, we put ourselves at risk of becoming even more vulnerable and confused about our immigrant journey and identity.

And I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to get help. It’s healthy even to find someone who can help you with your journey in life as an immigrant and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

So how can you start this journey of healing and where can you find the help you need?

In this episode, Latinx therapist Alejandra Peña talks about the unique struggles of being an immigrant and how therapy can help you overcome your emotional traumas and mental challenges.

She also shares her top therapist directories and the kinds of questions you should be asking your therapist when coming in for a session.

Guest Bio

Alejandra Peña is a Latinx therapist based in Austin, Texas. She currently works at a local nonprofit that helps survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and is also specialized in counseling immigrants, LGBQ+, and survivors of PTSD and trauma.

Key Takeaways

• Reasons why immigrants need therapy  [04:31]
  
  


• The taboo around therapy and why immigrants are finding it hard to go to therapy  [10:51]
  
  


• Benefits of looking for a therapist who share a similar story or experience as an immigrant  [16:42]
  
  


• Creating a checklist for the kind of therapist you want to work with  [17:27]
  
  


• Adapting to the dominant culture vs. Embracing your cultural identity  [23:26]
  
  


• Mental struggles that you experience when moving to a different country  [30:49]
  
  


• Questions to ask a therapist  [38:38]
  
  


• Recommended therapy directories  [45:03]
  
  

Quotes

“I do think that it's important to find a therapist that you can connect with and maybe has similar experience as you, and one that you can trust.”  [16:46]

“Everybody's story is different. And there is going to be some sharing in therapy, so it'll be more straightforward and just safer with somebody who has a similar experience.”  [17:09]

“Harm can also occur if a therapist does not understand or is not trained in working with immigrants.”  [19:53]

“Therapy is supposed to be a safe space where you could really be yourself. And therapy doesn't have to feel like you, as a client, still needs to educate your therapist about your situation. And sometimes it can feel that way if there isn't that experience and that knowledge on the therapist’s part.”  [22:22]

Live Your Best Life!

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Further episodes of The Homesickness Cure

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