Counselling for First & Second Generation Australians
Support for those navigating life between cultures
Growing up in Australia as a first or second generation migrant can mean learning to live in two (or more) worlds at once. You might carry the values, hopes, and sacrifices of your family, while also trying to find your own voice in a culture that doesn’t always understand where you come from.
At times, this can be enriching. But it can also be confusing, heavy, and lonely. You might feel like you’re constantly code-switching - at home, at work, in relationships - never quite sure where you fully belong.
Maybe your family worked hard to give you a better life, but that life looks very different from what they imagined. Maybe you’ve always felt pressure to succeed, be “the good child,” or not let anyone down.
Perhaps you’re also quietly carrying the emotional weight of migration, intergenerational trauma, or unspoken expectations. Some families express love and care differently - through hard work, practical support, or acts of service rather than words or physical affection. For many immigrant children, this can sometimes feel like emotional distance or being overlooked, even when the intentions are deeply caring. These patterns can be confusing or lonely to navigate, especially when combined with cultural expectations about emotional expression.
Common experiences for first and second generation Australians
You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt:
Torn between loyalty to your family and the desire for independence
Guilt for choosing a path different from the one your parents hoped for
Pressure to achieve, succeed, or be the “bridge” between cultures
Shame around speaking up, setting boundaries, or asking for help
Confusion around cultural identity; feeling “too Aussie” for your community, and yet also different from mainstream Australian culture
A deep desire to honour your roots and carve out a life that’s truly yours.
In our work together, we offer a culturally responsive, compassionate space where your story is seen in its full complexity. You won’t have to explain what it means to straddle two worlds, or why something seemingly small can feel so significant. We get it – and we’ll meet you with warmth, curiosity, and no judgement.
Together, we’ll explore how culture, family dynamics, migration stories, and early life experiences have shaped how you relate to yourself and others. We’ll gently unpack the patterns that are no longer serving you, and support you in building a stronger sense of self, one that doesn’t require you to shrink, split off, or translate who you are.
A counselling space for all of who you are
We work with
First and second generation Australians from diverse cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds
Children of immigrants and refugees
Bicultural and mixed-heritage individuals
Asian Australians
Adults navigating intergenerational trauma, acculturation stress, and identity challenges.
We welcome all parts of you, including the ones you’ve had to hide, explain, or tone down.
Whether you’re ready to unpack generational patterns and beliefs, or you’re beginning to explore your cultural identity as a first or second generation Australian, we’re here to walk alongside you.