Starting therapy can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what to expect. This blog breaks down the three main stages of therapy—beginning, middle, and end—so you can better understand what your first therapy session will be like and how the process unfolds. Whether you’re nervous about opening up or wondering how long therapy takes, this guide has you covered.

Navigating family dynamics is never easy—but in immigrant families, the layers of cultural expectations, communication styles, and unspoken generational wounds can make it especially difficult. In my work as an Asian Canadian therapist, I’ve seen how often first- and second-generation clients struggle with feeling torn between two worlds: the heritage values of their parents, and the individualistic norms of Canadian society. This tension can create a deep sense of conflict, especially when it comes to identity, belonging, and emotional expression.

In this blog post, I explore the root causes of family conflict in immigrant households, including intergenerational trauma, cultural mismatches, and differing levels of acculturation. You’ll also find tools to help you begin managing these challenges, such as how to identify unmet needs, communicate more clearly, and understand what parts of the dynamic you can control. If you’ve been looking for family conflict resolution strategies or a therapist who understands Asian family culture, this post is a place to start.