{"id":43577,"date":"2024-11-14T14:52:58","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T19:52:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=43577"},"modified":"2024-11-14T14:52:58","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T19:52:58","slug":"setting-healthy-boundaries-with-your-asian-family-is-it-possible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/setting-healthy-boundaries-with-your-asian-family-is-it-possible\/","title":{"rendered":"Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Asian Family. Is It Possible?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"I remember a few years ago, my therapist, who was from a non-Asian culture, asked if I would ever walk away from my family. I sat there, looked at her and started crying.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do I explain the importance of family and the guilt and shame I would feel if I did that?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Setting boundaries is a popular topic, especially during the holiday season. Some people start to dread family gatherings and the drama that will no doubt arise when your uncle or aunt says something hurtful.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In Western culture, setting boundaries<\/a> is often seen as essential to maintaining healthy relationships and protecting your mental health. However, setting boundaries can be very challenging for those who grew up in collective cultures.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Are Boundaries Bad in Asian Families?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Maybe<\/span><\/i>. In many Asian families, there is no clear line between your needs and mine.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Boundaries are seen as a separation from family and can create separation in the family dynamic.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a collectivist culture, group\/family needs are prioritized over individual needs.<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is normal in an Asian family might be shocking to a white person.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n