Many who seek psychotherapy either came to the United States from another culture as children or were born here. Surrounded by peers who look and speak differently, they often have the added burden of parents relying on them to help navigate in a new country. Eager to “fit in” they become hyper-focused on conforming and achieving, feeling tremendous pressure to go above and beyond what is expected. The very qualities that contribute to their success in the world often perpetuate their unhappiness and disconnection from themselves.
    There are some similar and consistent psychological dynamics regardless of cultural background. In their early experience in school these clients are aware that they look, sound and view the world differently. Their profound sense of being “other” often leaves them feeling shame and a sense of inferiority. They become adept at taking their cues for how to act by looking outside of themselves, and molding their responses to fit others expectations.
    Through lecture as well as dyad work this webinar will offer a deeper understanding into the unique survival strategies that cultural outsiders employ in an attempt to cope with the difficulties that arise from feeling different. There will be particular emphasis on how these clients define themselves and measure their self-worth.
    In this webinar participants will also learn a powerful intervention called “piercing the threat” designed to assist clients with deconstructing an identity and sense of worth that revolves around performance, how they are being perceived and their usefulness to others. Doing so frees them to create a life on their own terms. 
   I have taught this popular webinar through the Existential Humanistic Institute and the Marin chapter of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists.                  Stay Tuned for the next webinar.