Moving to a new country is often a beautiful blend of gratitude and challenge. For individuals from collectivist cultures—where family and community are central to identity—adapting to a Western, individualist society can feel like walking a tightrope.
As someone who has lived a few transitions growing up, and worked with clients navigating these transitions, I’ve seen how migration fosters incredible growth and opportunity but also brings deeply personal challenges.
Transculturalism—the merging and balancing of cultural identities—adds another layer of complexity, as individuals work to honor their roots while adapting to new societal norms.
This topic is close to my heart, and it’s one I explore in depth in The Culturally Informed Trauma Workbook—a resource designed to support individuals and therapists in addressing trauma within the context of cultural identity.
1. Gratitude for Migration and Pluralism
Migration is often a journey of hope—seeking better opportunities, safety, or freedom. Many from collectivist cultures, like those in South Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America, bring with them rich traditions of loyalty, interconnectedness, and shared responsibility. These values often enrich Western societies, fostering transculturalism and deeper connections.
However, gratitude for these opportunities doesn’t erase the challenges. Balancing collective values with a new emphasis on individualism can lead to emotional strain.
Quick Tip: Reflect on the traditions and values that feel grounding to you. Holding onto what matters most can help you navigate change while staying rooted in your identity.
2. The Struggle with Boundaries in Collectivist Cultures
In collectivist cultures, boundaries often feel fluid. Saying “no” to family requests or prioritizing your needs might be viewed as selfish or disrespectful. In Western secular societies, where independence is often celebrated, this can create tension.
A client once told me, “I want to set boundaries, but how do I do that without feeling like I’m turning my back on my family?”
This is a common struggle, especially when Western psychological approaches emphasize assertiveness without considering the family-first mindset of many collectivist backgrounds.
One of the focuses of my work at A Road to Recovery, is helping clients explore “flexible boundaries” that respect cultural obligations while protecting their mental well-being. This balance is also a focus of my e-book, The Culturally Informed Trauma Workbook, where I address how cultural dynamics shape emotional responses and coping mechanisms.
Quick Tip: Instead of seeing boundaries as rigid, think of them as flexible. For example, you might say, “I’d love to help, but can I do this later?” or "I want to give you my undivided attention. I have a few hours this evening free, will that work for you?" This balances respect for family while protecting your emotional health.
Fact: A study in the International Journal of Intercultural Relations highlights how individuals from collectivist cultures often feel guilt or anxiety when asserting their personal needs over family obligations.
3. How Western Psychological Approaches Fall Short
Therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or mindfulness, while highly effective, often center on individual autonomy. For someone from a collectivist background, where identity is tied to family and community, this focus can feel isolating or out of step with their values.
This is especially complex in situations involving:
Traditions and Faith: Choosing to deviate from cultural practices or adopt different beliefs can feel like a betrayal, even when it aligns with personal growth.
Interfaith or Intercultural Marriages: These relationships often require navigating transculturalism, balancing familial expectations, and honoring both partners’ backgrounds.
If this resonates, you may find my podcast episode, “Facilitating Trauma Recovery: The Culturally Informed Trauma Workbook,” helpful. In it, I discuss how cultural sensitivity and self-discovery are integral in navigating culturally complex scenarios, especially for those balancing multiple cultural identities.
Quick Tip: Share your cultural context with your therapist. A culturally competent therapist can tailor their approach to reflect your values and family dynamics.
Quote: “True healing happens when therapy considers not just the individual but the cultural and relational systems they’re part of.”—Dr. Derald Wing Sue
4. The Psychological Impact of Balancing Two Worlds
Living between two cultural worlds can create a unique set of challenges:
Guilt: Feeling torn between cultural expectations and personal desires.
Identity Struggles: Balancing collectivist values with individualist norms can lead to confusion about “Who am I, really?”
Isolation: Deviating from familial or cultural norms—whether by marrying outside your faith, exploring new traditions, or setting boundaries—can create distance from both your family and your adopted society.
These struggles are common among those navigating transculturalism, as they attempt to reconcile two distinct cultural identities into a cohesive sense of self.
Quick Tip: Journaling can help untangle feelings of guilt and conflict, providing clarity on what values feel authentic to you.
Fact: Research in Psychological Services shows that bicultural individuals often face unique stressors related to identity and belonging, underscoring the need for tailored mental health approaches.
All that being said, the reality is that living in a Western society as someone from a collectivist culture can feel like a balancing act—straddling two worlds and trying to honor both. While migration offers immense opportunity, it also brings challenges in navigating boundaries, traditions, and family dynamics in generations to come.
If you’re interested in exploring these challenges further, check out my e-book, The Culturally Informed Trauma Workbook. It’s designed to help individuals and therapists navigate the intersection of trauma, identity, and culture with practical tools and compassionate insights.
The key is finding harmony between embracing your cultural roots and adapting to new ways of thinking. At A Road to Recovery, I’m committed to helping individuals navigate these challenges with empathy and cultural sensitivity. Remember, you’re not alone in this experience, and support is always available.
If you’re navigating cultural challenges or struggling to find your footing in a new environment, A Road to Recovery has a wealth of resources for you to glean some understanding. Additionally, counselling approaches are tailored to your unique journey, and your sociocultural tapestry.
Sources
Dr. Derald Wing Sue’s Work on Cultural Competence - Multicultural Competence Resources
Psychological Services - Identity struggles among bicultural individuals
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