If you grew up hearing things like “aguántate,” “no seas dramático/a,” or “la vida es dura…deal with it,” then therapy probably wasn’t something you saw modeled at home. And honestly? That’s exactly why so many first-gen adults struggle to figure out what therapy even is.
Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.
- Therapy is a space where you can finally slow down.
Most first-gen adults grew up being the emotional translator, the problem solver, the one who figured it out. In therapy, you don’t have to be the strong one. You get to take off the armor, breathe, and talk without feeling judged.
- Therapy isn’t someone telling you you’re “broken.”
You’re not broken. You’re overwhelmed, tired, or carrying things you never had support with. Therapy gives you language, tools, and compassion…not labels.
- Therapy is learning why you react the way you do.
Maybe you shut down. Maybe you people-please. Maybe you’re the overachiever who can’t rest. These patterns come from somewhere. We look at the “why” so you can change the “what now.”
- Therapy isn’t just venting every week.
You’ll vent, yes…because life is a lot!
But you’ll also learn skills, practice boundaries, build self-trust, and understand your triggers so real change can happen.
- Therapy is culturally aware.
At least with me, it is. I name the cultural stuff: guilt, obligation, fear of disappointing your parents, being the “good kid,” and the pressure to succeed, because it all matters.
- Therapy is for you, even if no one in your family has ever gone.
You don’t need permission. You don’t need to be at rock bottom.
You just need curiosity and the desire to feel a little lighter.
If you’ve been wondering whether therapy is for you, consider this your sign that it might be time. And if you want to talk it out, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation…no pressure, just a conversation!
