Cultural and Cross-Cultural Concerns

Culture is a shared set of values, beliefs, attitudes and practices that create a sense of belonging to a group. In a multicultural society, like Canada, our communities are culturally diverse. Regardless of background or ethnicity, culture affects mental health. Some cultural factors that lead to well-being are the physical and social environment and ability to connect with others, participate in large groups, access support and cope with stress and difficult situations.

Culture affects mental health in different ways and at different levels. Members from different cultural or ethnic groups may experience a greater number of stressors which places them at a higher risk of mental health challenges. A major stressor is stigma and discrimination that can be experienced in all areas of one’s life such as employment, housing, education, health care, justice. Discrimination can also exist in everyday interactions in the form of microaggressions (verbal, nonverbal and environmental slights) or overt expressions of racism. Whether these expressions of discrimination are subtle or covert, they have concrete negative impacts on the health of those at the receiving end.

Newcomers to Canada experience additional stressors such as acculturative stress, language barriers, isolation, home sickness, to name a few. Moving to a country where one may not speak the language, may not have any family and friends, a place to stay or employment to support them and their family, can be an overwhelming extremely stressful experience. Even after some of the immediate needs are met, it can be difficult to fit into a new society that may have different beliefs, values, and practices. Even people born in Canada (second and third generation immigrants) may feel caught between Canadian culture and their family’s culture, which can create questions and worries about their identity. 


Navigating these challenges alone can be difficult. Our therapists have extensive experience in the area of settlement and integration and specialize in helping clients address their cultural and cross-cultural concerns by focusing on the following during sessions: 

  • Finding a new identity in a new place

  • Prioritizing emotional and physical health 

  • Building compassion for the self 

  • Finding balance in life

  • Setting boundaries 

  • Prioritizing and advocating for oneself 

  • Building a sense of belonging

  • Building a network of support

  • Embracing the openness to mental health in Canada

  • Accessing appropriate services

Cultural Therapists