What We Treat – Cultural Experiences
Microaggressions can weigh you down. Therapy can help you navigate through those emotions.
The United States is one of the most multicultural countries in the world bringing people of all backgrounds into one place. Diversity can include different types of people, religions, genders, thoughts, etc., and is considered a positive thing, yet there may be times you might feel out of place, treated differently, or simply don’t fit into society because of what makes you different from someone else.
In 2007, psychologist Derald Wing Sue, PhD, proposed a classification of racial microaggressions and how they show up in clinical practice. He writes about three types of potential racial transgressions:
These types of microaggressions can occur in the workplace, school, and in typical public settings or experiences and is defined as a “statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group such as a racial or ethnic minority.”
Microaggressions can happen in a variety of ways to all sorts of people too including people of all genders and gender identities, those of various ages, religions, and any potential differentiator. The Imperial College London has come up with some examples including:
- “You speak English very well.”
- To an Asian person, “You must be good at math, can you help me with this problem?”
- A store owner following a customer of color around the store.
- Being forced to choose Male or Female when completing basic forms.
- Two options for relationship status: married or single.
- An advisor asks a female student if she is planning on having children while in postdoctoral training.
These microaggressions can happen multiple times, sometimes in one day, and can wear you down and leave you feeling angry, frustrated, and hurt. All of these are common feelings to experiences like this and therapy can help you navigate them.
In addition, McLean Hospital in Massachusetts statistics show that about 25% of African Americans seek mental health treatment, compared to 40% of white Americans. There is also research showing that about 78% of women say they experience microaggressions in the workplace.
It’s unfortunately common to experience microaggression and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by your feelings about it, but this treatment of others is not okay. However, it is okay to go to therapy and get help by talking through what you’re feeling to find ways to manage and start feeling mentally and emotionally well.
In addition, finding ways that you identify with your culture, religion, gender, etc. vs how you see yourself and how you want to live is also something many of us look to navigate. Therapy is a great place to help with that too.
At Serenium we envision a world where there is mental and emotional wellness for all and we’re on a deeper mission to provide people the mental and emotional support needed to cultivate their well-being through all of life’s events.
Serenium is a brand focused on therapy and wellness where serenity and calmness meets balance and equilibrium. A place where Mind, Body, Soul, and Emotion flow as one, into a lasting effect to feel whole and complete.
See the vast list of insurance we accept, check out our caring staff of therapists, join our monthly newsletter, give us a call or fill out the form below to set up your first session.
Our team will speak with you to find the best therapist for what you need and based on your availability. We offer in person sessions in New Jersey in Brick, Manalapan, and Cranford, as well as virtual sessions. If after a few sessions, you’re not feeling like your therapist is the right fit, we are happy to find someone who is from our staff of over 150+ therapists.
We look forward to helping you navigate your feelings and thoughts around cultural experiences and helping you feel a sense of calm and hope knowing that no matter what, you’ll be okay, and that you have the capacity to live a life of joy.
Loading form...