We have our own story

Why do we need mental health services geared towards the Asian/Asian-American story?

Psychology originates from Western cultures. Our Asian history is founded upon Eastern philosophies and religions including Buddhism and Confucianism. These ideologies and cultural values are deeply rooted within us and our upbringing, often clashing with more Western worldviews.

Unfortunately, the immigrant story is filled with conflicts between Western and Eastern perspectives, psychology and mental health being amongst them. Asian cultural values such as Collectivism, Conformity to Norms, Emotional Restraint, and Family Recognition through Achievement have their merit and was formed and adopted to strengthen families and the greater community. However, these cultural values can also keep individuals from asking for help when they really need it or expressing themselves freely to promote growth and healing. There exists an internalized stigma attached to having emotional difficulties, asking for help, and essentially receiving mental health services that is part of our story.

We are writing our new story.

We are not rejecting the cultural values that raised us but finding a holistic balance between Eastern and Western perspectives that fits our story and upbringing. Our story is unique and requires the attention and sophistication in calling it our own. There is much love and warmth in our past and with that also exists pain, misunderstandings, cultural gaps, and sometimes intergenerational trauma.

We have the ability to understand these conflicts and traumas to strengthen our own identity and the path of healing for our future and future generations. Join us in this movement of Asian mental health to find the balance of our cultures and free ourselves from internalized guilt and shame!