Photo of Rachel Cortes, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rachel Cortes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Life challenges and stressors are inevitable but it is our relationship with these that can turn pain and suffering into healing and growth. Do you find yourself struggling to say no to others? Or maybe you've found yourself in that familiar position of working so hard at something but it's still not good enough. Perhaps you're curious about exploring ways of coping that no longer serve you anymore. You may even be an AAPI child of immigrants who wants to gain a better understanding of the nuances and struggles that come along with juggling conflicting cultural values.
Life challenges and stressors are inevitable but it is our relationship with these that can turn pain and suffering into healing and growth. Do you find yourself struggling to say no to others? Or maybe you've found yourself in that familiar position of working so hard at something but it's still not good enough. Perhaps you're curious about exploring ways of coping that no longer serve you anymore. You may even be an AAPI child of immigrants who wants to gain a better understanding of the nuances and struggles that come along with juggling conflicting cultural values.
(628) 266-3537 View (628) 266-3537
Photo of Albert Wong, PhD, Psychologist
Albert Wong
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925  (Online Only)
To others, it seems like you have it all. But underneath lives a different story. Despite your outward success, you feel haunted sometimes by feelings of failure, conflict, self-doubt. At certain moments, a gnawing sense overcomes you, telling you: Something is not right. You've made changes but somehow still end up in the same unsatisfying patterns, repeating the same unhelpful behaviors -- feeling more and more alone. You want to understand your patterns and your past so you can create a different future. You want to learn to feel differently about yourself and how you relate with others. You want to find a different way.
To others, it seems like you have it all. But underneath lives a different story. Despite your outward success, you feel haunted sometimes by feelings of failure, conflict, self-doubt. At certain moments, a gnawing sense overcomes you, telling you: Something is not right. You've made changes but somehow still end up in the same unsatisfying patterns, repeating the same unhelpful behaviors -- feeling more and more alone. You want to understand your patterns and your past so you can create a different future. You want to learn to feel differently about yourself and how you relate with others. You want to find a different way.
(415) 991-0289 View (415) 991-0289
Asian Therapists

Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?

A culturally sensitive therapist would be respectful and considerate of different groups, with regard to race, sexual orientation, gender, and other factors that are important to an individual. These considerations can help a client feel understood as well as validated. While some people think highlighting race could promote stereotypes and bias, more understanding and knowledge about cultural differences is a positive for a healthy therapeutic alliance.

How can I recognize an effective Asian therapist?

You can discern a lot by asking how familiar the potential therapist is with different cultures, as well as asking how they might address issues related to identity, values, and beliefs. Also inquire about their education, as well as any particular training they may have completed, such as cultural sensitivity or diversity and inclusion programs.

What if the therapist does not have my exact background?

The therapist may not share a client’s exact background, but the therapist may have plenty of hands-on experience as well as the sensitivity needed for therapeutic progress. Their sensitivity to different populations will help the client feel accepted and comfortable in sharing their concerns and difficulties.

How might I inquire about a therapist's experience with Asian clients?

A therapist with an Asian background may have experience within their community, as well as broader cultural sensitivity. Ask the potential therapist whether they've worked with individuals who share your background. If they have not worked with similar clients, they may well know someone who has such experience.

Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Asian therapists?

The directory of Asian therapists includes professionals who have shared their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profiles, and they may not appear in search results for this reason; also, when the number of therapists identified as Asian is limited, the directory will also show therapists with comprehensive experience working with clients from relevant backgrounds.