Help! I’m the Only One in Therapy in my Family
Therapy is a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. But what happens when you are the only one in your family who seeks this path? Deciding to start therapy is not easy. It takes lot of courage to admit that one needs help. Growing up, mental health was not a topic of discussion in my Latinx family or community. For many Latinx adults seeking therapy felt like breaking an unspoken rule of “esto se queda en la casa” this stays at home or “we don’t air our dirty laundry outside the family”. There is a strong pressure not to expose family secrets or trauma to “strangers” such a helpers (police, social workers, teachers, therapists etc) outside the family. Therefore, for a Latinx person going to therapy may be isolating and stressful as family members may not be supportive or understanding of this decision.
When my Latinx clients first tell their family about their decision to start therapy, their reactions are mixed. Some family members are supportive, while others were skeptical or even judgmental. Family questions why this person needs therapy and if it is really necessary. It is challenging to explain reasons without feeling judged. This is especially true for some Latinx parents when their adult children seek therapy, they often blame themselves for past trauma or try to minimize how their parenting role may have affected their adult children’s mental health.
Therapy can be transformative experience. It can help one understand emotions, identify unhealthy patterns, and develop coping strategies. It can also teach a person how to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being. This journey of self-discovery can be empowering. Being the only one in therapy can change the dynamics within one’s family. Once a person is more aware of communication patterns and the unspoken rules that govern family interactions one can navigate these dynamics more effectively.
As a Latina Therapist one of the biggest challenges has been breaking the stigma associated with therapy and mental health in the Latinx community. Educating about the benefits of therapy and challenge common misconceptions can be a slow process, but I believe that sharing my experiences and knowledge can help to reduce the stigma.
If you are the only one in your family seeking therapy, know that you are not alone. It takes courage to prioritize your mental health, and your journey can inspire others. By sharing your story, you can help break the stigma and encourage others to seek help. Being the only one in therapy in your family can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for growth and healing.
