Find your own story
Culture Shapes us
Culture and belonging shape the stories we live inside. They give us language, rituals, and connections that root us in something larger. Culture can be a source of strength and pride — a reminder of where we come from, and a way of knowing we’re not alone.
But culture can also feel restrictive when it clashes with who we are or the life we want to live. Expectations, spoken or unspoken, can weigh heavily. Therapy offers space to explore both — to honour your roots while also finding the path that feels true to you.
At a glance
- Culture shapes identity, pride, and belonging.
- It can also create pressure or limits.
- Therapy can be a neutral ground to explore both.
- The goal isn’t to erase culture, but to find balance and authenticity.
Anchoring in Culture
At its best, culture is grounding. It connects us to history, rituals, and stories that remind us of where we’ve come from. It can be a source of resilience and joy, offering traditions that feel like home and a sense of identity that is celebrated.
Culture as Constraint
At the same time, culture can bring pressure. There may be spoken — or unspoken — rules about what is “acceptable,” and consequences for stepping outside them. The fear of rejection, shame, or even danger can make it difficult to imagine a different path. These pressures are not a sign of weakness; they reflect how powerful cultural systems of meaning can be in shaping our lives.
Culture can give us belonging — but it can also weigh heavily when it feels at odds with who we are.
I know the weight of expectations, but i also know the loneliness at times of authenticity – but finding your own balance is important.
Neutral Ground Matters
In therapy, culture isn’t about right or wrong. It’s about creating space. A space where you can explore your heritage with pride, while also acknowledging the parts that may feel restrictive or painful. Therapy can be a neutral ground — away from family, community, or societal expectation — where you can reflect honestly on what matters most to you.
Respect and Diversity
Just as no two people are the same, no two cultural experiences are the same. Therapy recognises and respects diversity — culture in all its forms, alongside identity, gender, sexuality, and lived experience. What matters is not fitting into a single story, but honouring your own.
Your Own Path
Culture can be a compass, pointing toward belonging and shared meaning. But sometimes, it takes courage to pause, step back, and find your own true north. Therapy doesn’t erase culture, but it can help you carry it differently — holding on to what nourishes you, while choosing a path that feels true.
