Clients from India & International Clients
People from the Indian Subcontinent are known for the remarkable ease with which they navigate this country. We are excellent at understanding what is expected of us, and delivering results.
However, internally, we do have to navigate two very different ways of meaning making. This can take a toll.
There is rarely any time or emotional space to take stock of the road that has been traveled. In addition, social pressures legislate a “front” that must be positive at all times.
Over time, feelings of alienation, anxiety or depression can develop. These are signals that it is time to name and integrate the journey: the losses, as well as the significant gains.
Our children can also be affected by our dual sensibilities. What appears as lack of motivation, distancing from parents, or unacceptable behaviors, can actually be a sign of their difficulty managing two very different sets of expectations: the Indian way, and the American way. If there are differences between the parents about such matters, then the process can become more difficult for the child.
A particularly affected group is students who come to this country for higher studies. Their own ambition, combined with the expectations back home, can paralyze even the most motivated student. Learning how to settle into an unfamiliar social environment, while under significant academic and other pressures, can feel like an onerous task.
An especially poignant aspect of this is that young people may not have a language to name and understand their experiences. This compounds their emotional isolation.
If I can be of help with any of the above, please contact me to continue this conversation.