Top Myth about Therapy for Asian Americans
There are a lot of myths about therapy in the Asian American Community. As an Asian American Therapist, I help tons of Asian American clients break through barriers in their lives that prevent them from living completely happy lives. But often the problem starts before clients even come into therapy and overcoming these myths is essential for Asian Americans coming into therapy.
Let’s be honest, TV doesn’t do a good job of portraying therapists and often therapists are portrayed as unhelpful, insensitive, passive, and aloof. I am here to break these awful stereotypes and myths because they prevent people from actually seeking help. Asian Americans are one of the most underserved communities when it comes to therapy. The mental health stigma combined with the high costs of therapy creates this sense that therapy is not worth it.
AND TRUST ME, Asian Americans won’t pay for things that aren’t worth it.
You won’t believe how often I hear of folks who could REALLY benefit from therapy flat-out refuse to seek help because it’s “not worth it.” I am here to address these issues to help people understand that quality therapy is worth it and necessary.
Asian American Therapy Myth 1: Therapy is just paying to talk to someone
Many view therapy as just an expensive chat session where one person talks about their problems and the therapist just nods and listens. Therapy is more than just paying for someone to listen. Rather listening is JUST the tip of the iceberg of what therapy can offer. Therapists do a lot of listening because they are trying their best to understand your situation and assess what is happening and going on in your life.
Often it feels like they are listening and it’s a casual conversation because therapists are so damn well trained that they can make a mental health assessment look like a casual conversation. A good therapist would ask questions, show curiosity, and offer feedback. It’s not a one-way street. Most importantly talking LEADS to results. Therapy is about transformation and life change. The talking is just A PROCESS that facilitates this transformation.
Asian American Therapy Myth 2: I can just have family members listen instead
Yes, I get that family members can hear out your problems and often this is HOW family members process their problems. It’s great to have support, but this can be dangerous.
What happens (and this is common) when the thing you are frustrated about IS your family? I see this in families with lots of drama, gossipping and toxic dynamics. Because all the hurt in the family that you carry has to go to someone and sometimes the unfortunate thing is that the hurt just goes back into the family and cycles around more.
Therapy gives you a chance to vent out those frustrations, hurts, and pain with a professional. That means that all that hurt and pain GOES somewhere else and gets processed.
Also, there is a difference between just VENTING and PROCESSING emotions. Venting feelings just means that the feelings go somewhere else and you can feel better. Processing feelings with a professional means that you can vent your feelings out and rather than JUST relief, you get different feelings. You get insight, perspective, and ultimately change. That emotional processing can only be done by a qualified therapist who knows what they are doing and that knows you intimately.
Asian American Therapy Myth 3: Therapy doesn’t do anything
Therapy is more than just talking about our problems. Often, the stigma around mental health is that it’s a waste of money because the outcomes and changes that people expect are not tangible or real. People would rather buy a Tesla, or pay thousands for a college degree because they THINK it will benefit their lives. But therapy? What’s the benefit in that?
A good Asian American therapist will make sure that therapy has a direction, with goals and outcomes. You might think that all your problems are outside of your control (and some stuff is,) but quality therapy means helping clients feel empowered, to make changes in their lives.
What kinds of personal changes do you want to make? A good therapist should help you get to those changes and address the barriers that prevent you from reaching those changes. More importantly, a good therapist will help you understand WHAT you want at a deeper level so that you can get your real needs met. But good therapy will create tangible, real changes in your life that are rewarding.
Asian American Therapy Myth 4: Therapy is for WHITE People
Therapy is for EVERYONE. Yes, therapy in its inception was created BY white Eurocentric men. But since its inception, it has evolved to include a wide range of belief systems, modalities, and cultures. Asian American Therapy is created by Asian Americans FOR Asian Americans. It does take concepts that are found in traditional Western Psychotherapy and retools it to serve the Asian American population. Fundamentally, therapy is less about who created the concepts and more about the therapist who is serving the client. If the therapist is culturally competent and clinically aware, they will be able to work with anyone no matter the modality.
Most importantly, the results speak for themselves. Asian American clients who come to see a GOOD culturally competent therapist get great results. They can better navigate the problems that plague Asian American families, like family conflicts, identity issues, and cultural barriers. These clients live amazing happy lives that are still authentic to themselves and their cultural experience.
See an Asian American Therapist that breaks all the THERAPY MYTHS
It's clear that there are many myths surrounding therapy in the Asian American community. As an Asian American therapist myself, I've devoted my practice to not only dispelling these myths but also providing a safe, understanding space for Asian Americans to thrive and heal.
Take that first step today. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation with me, and let's explore how therapy can bring about the change you're looking for. Remember, this isn't just about venting; it's about embarking on a journey of self-discovery and growth, guided by someone who understands and respects your unique cultural perspective.
During our consultation, we'll begin to unravel the misconceptions you may have about therapy. Whether it's the belief that therapy is just talking, the hesitation to step outside family support, doubts about the effectiveness of therapy, or the feeling that therapy isn't for people like us – we'll address it together. I'm here to listen and to offer insights that respect and honor your cultural background.
I understand the courage it takes to reach out. That's why I strive to make my therapy practice a place where Asian Americans feel seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can work towards not just overcoming barriers but transforming your life in meaningful ways.
Your mental health is worth it. Your happiness is worth it. You are worth it.