Why is Ethno-Cultural Therapy So Important?

Shanti Psychotherapy specializes in South Asian mental health for good reasons.

In such a diverse society, it’s been clear for a long time now and as indicated by research, that affinity and culturally diverse therapy is needed for South Asian communities to support the silent mental health crisis.

One size does not fit all when we explore the differences between ethno-cultural therapy versus the more widely available and traditional EuroCentric based therapies. South Asian mental health and wellness issues are unique based on background, ethnicity, and belief system. Most mental health providers who do not share a similar cultural background may hold certain assumptions and biases of what constitutes “normal family life” or gender roles that differ from those of their clients unless they are trained and practicing from a multicultural framework. Therefore and ultimately undermining the effectiveness of the mental health treatment and/or their client’s willingness, to not just seek it out, but to continue with it.

Finding South Asian therapists who can understand more about the intersections of identity has been difficult not only due to cultural stigma but more so due to the in-accessibility of South Asian therapists.

We actually need to stop saying that stigma is the only reason that people of colour do not seek out mental health services.

In 2015, the American Psychological Association reported that 86% of psychologists in the U.S. were white, 5% were Asian, 5% were Hispanic, and 4% were African American. That distribution doesn’t reflect the country’s demographics: 60.4% white, 18.3% Hispanic/Latino, 13.4% African American, and 5.9% Asian, according to 2018 census data.

Let’s start examining the barriers within the mental health system as well, to see if the system is meeting the unique needs of our diverse population. What you will find is that many people of color do not access mental health care because they can’t find therapists that look like them, that ask them about race/culture or who have a language that relates to their cultural experience.

We know from longstanding research that the number one predictor of positive outcomes is the therapeutic relationship. This is the working relationship between the mental health professional and the client. Cultural affinity in these working relationships has shown to foster a higher quality relationship by assisting the client to feel more comfortable and understood, which in turn boosts the success of treatment and positive outcomes for the client and their wellness goals. Having a South Asian client see a therapist of South Asian background increases the likelihood that the client will feel more comfortable in therapy which supports doing the work.

Typically South Asian therapists serving South Asian clients have more competencies in understanding the following FACTS on South Asian mental health:

Mental Health Problems

  • 1 in 5 South Asians report experiencing a mood or anxiety disorder in their life time. These rates of mental health problems are reported at higher levels for South Asian women versus South Asian men. Current data is urgently needed to reflect the full diversity of these statistics and the current socio political context.
  • South Asian immigrant females report more self-harm and certain mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, and eating-related psychopathology.
  • Data suggest older adults face a disproportionate burden of psychosocial stress in the community, especially older women. Leaving them with potential risk factors for depression include abuse and neglect, social isolation, intergenerational conflict, and acculturative stress. Depression in older adults can also exacerbate risk for poor physical health and lead to slower recovery from physical illness.
  • Depression, a Major Affective Disorder, is the most common of all mental health diagnoses among South Asians in general.
  • South Asian Youth are at greater risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviours than other minority groups. Typically these youth present with stressors based on academic pressure, risky behaviour, poor acculturation, discrimination, high parental expectations and pressure, limited supports outside the family system, physical symptoms, relationship problems with family, domestic violence, gender role expectations and cultural conflicts as first generation youth.
  • South Asian men more than women are at a greater risk factor for alcohol related mental health and physical health problems. Often with co-morbid mental health conditions, these lead to increased risk factors within the family such as family violence, financial issues, drunk driving and legal problems.

STIGMA

  • South Asian communities often express greater stigma towards mental illness than other cultural groups and thus becomes a barrier to getting help. Stigma often comes strongly from within the family. South Asian culture is a collectivist society – more of a “we” versus individualism in Western society. Collectivist societies tend to keep personal problems within the family, seek help as a last resort and may feel a sense of failure if problems are not able to be solved from within the family. Disclosure of mental illness is also believed to have negative attribution of shame to the family and a sign of weakness – further isolating individuals from seeking out health services.
  • Religion, often a central part of South Asian families, may also deter families from seeking help, as they tend to turn more towards prayer and counsel from religious figures in times of distress. While valuable to have as a resource – at times this can deter individuals from seeking mental health care or feel pressure to have religion being the saving factor.
  • Many LGBTQ+ BIPOC find it challenging to open up to close friends and family due to ongoing stigma as currently approximately 50% of LGBTQ+ individuals experience rejection from their families.

Somatization

  • South Asians with mental health issues commonly interpret their symptoms as physical illnesses and often do not seek needed psychological help. Mental health problems can absolutely show up as physical symptoms such as insomnia, stomach issues, auto-immune disorders and body pain. One Canadian study found that even when South Asians present psychological difficulties to their primary care physicians, they are often untreated and undiagnosed because they are presented as somatic rather than depressive symptoms. Disproportionately high rates of mental illness among South Asians may have implications for disparities found in chronic illnesses since psychosocial stressors have been linked to an increase in risk for the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer.

Lack of Education and Awareness

  • There is a general lack of awareness regarding mental health issues and contributors to mental health difficulties within South Asian communities. For example a lack of awareness of acculturation stress, intergenerational conflict in first generation families, conflict with parents, etc.
  • Limited awareness of mental health services and mistrust of organizations outside of the family or cultural system.
  • An overall lack of research in the area of South Asian mental health and the specific populations within the demographic.

Don’t give up.

Learn more about issues facing your community to validate and normalize what you may have experienced yourself. The most difficult barrier to healing is isolation. Finding a good fit with a therapist may require some work and perhaps the first therapist you find may not be the right fit.

Don’t give up.

The right therapist is there for you to help you make positive strides for your health and well being.

Angie Agrawal Holstein, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist

If you enjoyed this blog, please consider sharing it.
Take what you need to hear today, and spend some time reminding yourself of things that are often easy to forget.You are doing your best, and that is what matters!#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthquotes #compassionfocusedtherapy #motivationalquotes #torontotherapy #mentalhealthcheckin

Take what you need to hear today, and spend some time reminding yourself of things that are often easy to forget.

You are doing your best, and that is what matters!

#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthquotes #compassionfocusedtherapy #motivationalquotes #torontotherapy #mentalhealthcheckin
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Students: Welcome to Shanti Psychotherapy!Shanti Psychotherapy has a special interest in supporting international students as our team has a deep understanding of the international student lived experience. 📚Our therapists are both attuned, trained and many have the lived experience of being an international student.They bring a wealth of compassion and knowledge to support the uncertainty with school life, visa processes, stress, homesickness and are dedicated to supporting students to gain the most from their courageous decision to study abroad. 👩🏽‍🎓Please reach out for a free 20 minute consultation with any of our therapists using the link in the bio to hear more about our low cost services for international students. ✨#internationalstudents #internationalstudentsincanada #studenttherapy #southasiantherapy #internationalstudenttherapy #torontobasedtherapy #internationalstudentexperience #southasianmentalhealth #therapistsofinstagram #grouptherapy

Students: Welcome to Shanti Psychotherapy!

Shanti Psychotherapy has a special interest in supporting international students as our team has a deep understanding of the international student lived experience. 📚

Our therapists are both attuned, trained and many have the lived experience of being an international student.

They bring a wealth of compassion and knowledge to support the uncertainty with school life, visa processes, stress, homesickness and are dedicated to supporting students to gain the most from their courageous decision to study abroad. 👩🏽‍🎓

Please reach out for a free 20 minute consultation with any of our therapists using the link in the bio to hear more about our low cost services for international students. ✨

#internationalstudents #internationalstudentsincanada #studenttherapy #southasiantherapy #internationalstudenttherapy #torontobasedtherapy #internationalstudentexperience #southasianmentalhealth #therapistsofinstagram #grouptherapy
...

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We strive to provide a compassionate and culturally informed small group for individuals to explore and understand the impact of intergenerational trauma and attachment wounds on their lives.Through group support, education, skill building and evidence-based practices, we aim to empower participants to break cycles of trauma, foster resilience, and create meaningful connections.Awareness and Understanding about your unique intergenerational trauma and attachment wounds that affects your emotions, psychological well being, behavioural patterns and identity formation.Emotional Processing: A space for you to safely explore, share and process emotions associated with intergenerational trauma and attachment wounds.Therapeutic Techniques: Learn skills for self soothing emotions such as shame, greif and anger stemming from family history. Skills such as grounding, boundary setting, visualization and more, that support healing in and beyond the group setting.Resilience Building: To acquire cycle breaking strategies for you to develop a healthier self and healthier future generations.Connection and Support: Experience an impactful sense of belonging with others who share similar experiences. Validation, affirming and collective healing.Empowerment: Shift your story by re authoring your life and relationship with your culture so you can strengthen your generational gifts!The group is for individuals 18+, will be 2 hours long, every week for 6 weeks and will be $75.Email us at intake.shantipsychotherapy@gmail.com to learn more and sign up!#grouptherapy #attachmenttherapy #southasiantherapist #southasiantherapy #grouptherapytoronto

We strive to provide a compassionate and culturally informed small group for individuals to explore and understand the impact of intergenerational trauma and attachment wounds on their lives.

Through group support, education, skill building and evidence-based practices, we aim to empower participants to break cycles of trauma, foster resilience, and create meaningful connections.

Awareness and Understanding about your unique intergenerational trauma and attachment wounds that affects your emotions, psychological well being, behavioural patterns and identity formation.

Emotional Processing: A space for you to safely explore, share and process emotions associated with intergenerational trauma and attachment wounds.

Therapeutic Techniques: Learn skills for self soothing emotions such as shame, greif and anger stemming from family history. Skills such as grounding, boundary setting, visualization and more, that support healing in and beyond the group setting.

Resilience Building: To acquire cycle breaking strategies for you to develop a healthier self and healthier future generations.

Connection and Support: Experience an impactful sense of belonging with others who share similar experiences. Validation, affirming and collective healing.

Empowerment: Shift your story by re authoring your life and relationship with your culture so you can strengthen your generational gifts!

The group is for individuals 18+, will be 2 hours long, every week for 6 weeks and will be $75.

Email us at intake.shantipsychotherapy@gmail.com to learn more and sign up!

#grouptherapy #attachmenttherapy #southasiantherapist #southasiantherapy #grouptherapytoronto
...

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Healing, growing and changing doesn’t look the same for everyone and it can often feel like the change you’re wanting to see isn’t visible.Here are some signs that you’re growing and  making more progress than you might think.You’re more comfortable saying no, you validated yourself, you stop arguing with people who
are committed to misunderstanding you, you acknowledge your hurt, you walk away from
one-sided relationships, you no longer focus on past experiences you can’t change, and most importantly you show up for yourself in ways you didn’t before! ✨#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthcheckin
#compassionfocusedtherapy #motivationalquotes #torontotherapy

Healing, growing and changing doesn’t look the same for everyone and it can often feel like the change you’re wanting to see isn’t visible.

Here are some signs that you’re growing and making more progress than you might think.

You’re more comfortable saying no, you validated yourself, you stop arguing with people who
are committed to misunderstanding you, you acknowledge your hurt, you walk away from
one-sided relationships, you no longer focus on past experiences you can’t change, and most importantly you show up for yourself in ways you didn’t before! ✨

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthcheckin
#compassionfocusedtherapy #motivationalquotes #torontotherapy
...

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Our new Intergenerational Trauma Group is launching in February 2025!Focused on breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma and Attachment Wounds This group is designed to help you:● Understand the patterns passed down through your familial generations.
● Learn and shift neurobiological systems and leave behind trauma.
● Build tools for breaking unhealthy familial cycles.
● Heal attachment wounds and build secure relationships.
● Share a safe, supportive space with others on the same journey.Why Join?● Affordable Care: Group therapy is a cost-effective option.
● Community Support: Heal in a collective, empowering environment.
● Insurance: Covered by most insurance plans

Our new Intergenerational Trauma Group is launching in February 2025!

Focused on breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma and Attachment Wounds This group is designed to help you:

● Understand the patterns passed down through your familial generations.
● Learn and shift neurobiological systems and leave behind trauma.
● Build tools for breaking unhealthy familial cycles.
● Heal attachment wounds and build secure relationships.
● Share a safe, supportive space with others on the same journey.

Why Join?

● Affordable Care: Group therapy is a cost-effective option.
● Community Support: Heal in a collective, empowering environment.
● Insurance: Covered by most insurance plans
...

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