Therapy for first-generation
professionals in New York
Healing, identity, and self-worth for first-generation professionals
Being first-generation often means living between two worlds. You may feel pressure to succeed, carry the hopes of your family, and balance cultural expectations with your own needs. Many first-gen adults experience anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, or burnout. You may wonder if you are doing enough or feel guilty when you try to set boundaries. Therapy can help you find clarity and healing in the middle of these challenges.
As a first-gen therapist in New York, I understand the unique stressors that come with being the first to carve out a new path. I provide therapy for BIPOC adults, professionals, and parents who want to heal from intergenerational wounds, reconnect with themselves, and create lives that feel more balanced, intentional, and whole.
Why first-generation professionals seek support
First-gen professionals are often navigating spaces that feel unfamiliar to their families and communities. You may be the first in your family to attend college, build a career in a new field, or raise children in a cultural environment that looks different from the one you grew up in. This can create feelings of isolation, overwhelm, and the belief that you must constantly prove yourself.
Therapy for first-gen professionals provides space to explore these pressures, unpack perfectionism, and release shame so that you can step into your own definition of success.
Do these thoughts sound familiar?
You may be thinking:
“I have achieved so much, but I never feel like it is enough.”
“I feel guilty setting boundaries with my family, even though I am exhausted.”
“I carry so much responsibility, but there is little space for me.”
“I feel like I am caught between two worlds and do not fully belong in either.”
If these words resonate, you are not alone. Many first-gen adults struggle with identity, belonging, and the weight of responsibility while navigating careers, relationships, and family expectations.
Healing Childhood and Intergenerational Trauma
Many first-gen adults also carry the impact of childhood wounds and intergenerational trauma. Patterns such as people-pleasing, overextending yourself, or struggling to set boundaries may have roots in family history. As a psychologist who works with intergenerational trauma, I help clients identify these inherited patterns, heal old wounds, and create healthier ways of relating. This process allows you to build stronger boundaries, improve relationships, and feel more grounded in your worth.
Building Confidence and Trust in Yourself
In therapy you will learn to:
Recognize how early experiences shape current patterns
Set boundaries with confidence and without guilt
Reduce anxiety and manage burnout
Rebuild trust in your voice and choices
Align your values with how you live each day
Therapy for first-gen mental health is not only about addressing pain. It is also about creating space for joy, confidence, and the freedom to live authentically.
As a Latina therapist, I bring cultural awareness and lived experience into the therapy room. I know firsthand what it means to carry family expectations while carving out your own path. I was the first in my family to leave home for college and then earn a PhD. That experience shaped my deep understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges that come with being first-gen.
Alongside my lived experience, I bring professional expertise as a licensed psychologist and as an editorial board member for the Journal of Latinx Psychology. I believe your experiences matter, and I meet each client with understanding and respect. Together, we’ll create a supportive space where you can feel heard and supported as you work toward your goals.
Imagine moving through life with greater self-trust, clarity, and freedom to live in alignment with your values—not just survival or achievement.
Why work with me
Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions *
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First-gen therapy focuses on the unique experiences of being the first in your family to achieve milestones such as attending college, building a career, or choosing a different life path. It recognizes both the pride and the pressure that come with these roles.
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If you feel stuck between family expectations and your own needs, struggle with self-worth despite accomplishments, or feel the ongoing pressure of carrying responsibility for others, therapy can help you find balance and healing.
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Therapy provides tools to build self-trust, release guilt, and navigate cultural identity with more ease. It also creates a space where your values, identity, and lived experiences are affirmed and integrated into your growth.
Begin Your First-Gen Therapy Journey
You do not have to carry these struggles alone. Therapy can help you break free from cycles of doubt, reconnect with your voice, and build the confidence to lead a life that feels fulfilling and aligned with your values.
If you are ready to begin, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. Together we can explore how first-gen therapy in New York can support your healing and growth.