"Why do I always feel like I’m behind?" If you’re a child of immigrants, this feeling might be your baseline—but it’s not a personal failure. You were asked to carry so much before you even got to define who you are.

As a therapist who works extensively with members of the Asian diaspora, I hear this question often, “Do you think my mom or dad is a narcissist?”. In fact, it’s not uncommon for clients to come to therapy with the deeply-rooted belief that one or both of their Asian parents is/are a narcissist. So let’s unpack this question and explore how culture plays a role.

The experience of being an adult child of immigrants (ACOI) can be profoundly complex, shaped by a blend of cultural, generational, and familial dynamics. While this identity offers unique strengths, it also presents distinct challenges that can significantly impact mental health and emotional well-being.

Finding a therapist is hard. Here some suggestions to get you started!