We as South Asian women often navigate a complex web of cultural expectations, family dynamics, and societal pressures. These layers can complicate the experience of trauma and influence the choice between individual and group therapy. From a somatic therapy perspective, emphasising the connection between mind and body (yes...the two are very interconnected), understanding these cultural nuances is crucial. Let’s delve into how individual and group therapy can serve the unique needs of South Asian women and foster deep, holistic healing we need.
South Asian culture highly values family, community, and collective identity. These cultural values can both support and hinder the healing process. On one hand, the strong sense of community can provide a robust support system. On the other hand, societal stigma around mental health issues might discourage seeking help or sharing personal struggles openly, and the lack of open conversation we have about therapy and healing amongst our community.
South Asian women often face pressure to uphold familial honour and so we may have been patterned from an early age to prioritize others’ needs over our own. These cultural expectations can make it difficult to address personal traumas in a group setting, where fear of judgment might be significant.
So here's a breakdown of the pro's of both Individual Therapy vs Group Therapy:
Individual Therapy
Lets get personal...
Individual therapy offers a private space where South Asian women can explore their traumas without fear of judgment. This personalized attention allows for deeper, more focused healing.
Cultural Sensitivity is a must!
A culturally informed therapist like me (Whole Body Therapist) can tailor the therapeutic approach to the individual’s cultural background, addressing specific concerns and values. But it is always super important to know that the connection with your therapist is one of the most important factors for healing. So if you don't connect with the first therapist you speak with, try not to be disheartened, there are so many out there, and that one which clicks with you, may be able to help you heal in ways you could only imagine.
Flexible Pace, no pushing or shoving. We take the time you DESERVE.
The pace of therapy can be adjusted according to the individual's readiness, allowing for a more tailored healing journey. Some months you may want to really delve in, and work through traumas and patterns with some vigour. And other months the traumas, our busy lives and our drive can hold us back. There's no shame in this. Our nervous system and body will always lead the way, so trust in the process.
Somatic Exercises and Tools
Body Awareness for individuals can really be tailored to suit you. For example, I tend to guide women through somatic exercises after assessing their physical and mental capability.
As part of your somatic therapy journey I guide women through exercises that increase awareness of bodily sensations, helping them connect physical symptoms with emotional trauma.
Techniques like breathwork, grounding exercises, and mindful movement can help release trauma stored in the body, and are incorporated naturally in every session. We have the time and space to discuss those you enjoy and those you resist. In some cases the resistance is a sign of it not being the right tool for you and your nervous system, in others we work with 'persistence over resistance', as often what we resist is actually what we need the most.
Group Therapy: Reinforcing Community and Collective Healing
"We are stronger together than we are alone" Walter Payton*
We need the validation of Shared Experiences
Group therapy provides a space where South Asian women can connect with others who have similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation. Trauma causes disconnection, that's why we hide in our rooms and don't want to socialise when things get really tough. For thorough, genuine healing we need to have a safe space to reconnect with our new tribe.
Our first experience of a 'Group' is our family in which we are raised. If this has been a dysfunctional setting (as it is for many of us), it is important to have a new group to reconnect with, who can show a validating example of genuine connection, giving you the respect and safe space you deserve.
Community Support, because "we are stronger together than we are alone"*
The group setting fosters a sense of belonging and collective strength, which is deeply valued in South Asian cultures. The new buzz word 'boundaries' needs to be placed in context. We do not have the same social constructs as our western counterparts, and so setting firm boundaries which do not take in to account any of our cultural, collective community spirit just leads to us feeling more isolated and shamed.
Boundaries are important, but lets work on realistic ones together. Ones which actually work for us.
Skill Building
Participants can learn from each other’s coping strategies and resilience, building a toolkit of resources for managing trauma. Unsolicited advice is not welcome in group settings, as this can be unhelpful and shaming. However, learning from each individuals perspective without pushing it on others is a great way of introducing new coping skills to the group.
When we are in isolation, or trapped within a bubble of dysfunction, it is hard to see past that without guidance. And so we can inspire one another with our heroic stories and healing journeys.
Group Somatic Exercises
Activities like group mindfulness, collective breathwork, and shared movement practices can enhance the sense of community and collective healing. Healing together, breathing together and moving together, builds our sense of belonging.
Become a Witness to each others healing
The act of being seen and heard by others in the group can be incredibly validating and healing, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the community. Having your own tribe of cheerleaders is a wonderful feeling, and sharing that same spirit of joy for others is just as fruitful. The healing is mutual in our women's circles.
Maybe you want both Individual and Group Therapy? I do!
I have attended my individual therapeutic journey and walked alongside beautiful groups of women for our collective somatic therapy path for many years now. This is why I offer you both Individual and Group Therapy.
I couldn't have moved forward in my healing, the way I have, without my tribe of cheer leaders (shout out to Aimee, Lisa, Claire, Cat, Kat, Daisy, Julie, Cheryl, Georgie, Katie, Vic, Caro and the ISOHH crew). I have felt and have navigated that this kind of circle is few and far between for my South Asian Sisters. And we NEED this. We NEED to heal individually and together.
Combining individual and group therapy can offer a balanced approach, leveraging the strengths of both modalities. Individual therapy can address deeply personal and sensitive issues, while group therapy can provide the communal support we need for sustained healing.
Both individual and group therapy offer valuable pathways for South Asian women to heal from trauma. By incorporating somatic therapy techniques and understanding cultural contexts, we as therapists can provide a holistic, trauma-informed approach that addresses both individual needs and the importance of community support.
For South Asian women, the journey to healing is deeply personal yet inherently communal. Balancing individual therapy’s privacy with group therapy’s community reinforcement can create a comprehensive and culturally sensitive healing process. Embracing this dual approach can empower South Asian women to navigate their trauma with strength, resilience, and the support of a connected community.
Join us in our Group Therapy for South Asian Women, new 12 week cohort starting in September. I look forward to building our new tribe!
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