Healing Across Cultures: Trauma, Grief, and the Therapist’s Journey

“Be kind to yourself.”

In this powerful combined episode of The Check-In With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson sits down with Andrea, an integrative psychotherapist specialising in cultural and intergenerational trauma, for an honest and deeply human conversation about what it means to heal personally and professionally.

Together, they explore the lived experience of therapists of colour, the isolation that can exist within the mental health field, and the urgent need for more culturally responsive conversations in therapy training and school-based mental health funding.

Andrea also shares her personal journey into therapy, reflecting on how grief, loss, and resilience particularly within immigrant families shape both identity and therapeutic practice.

The conversation weaves through themes of prejudice, cultural connection, self-care, and emotional intelligence, highlighting how therapists must continue their own healing while holding space for others.

With warmth and vulnerability, this episode emphasises compassion, strong support systems, and the belief that grief and trauma, while painful, can guide us toward who we’re meant to become.

Takeaways

Cultural and intergenerational trauma deeply influence mental health and identity.

Therapists of colour often face isolation and a lack of representation in the field.

Honest conversations about race and prejudice are essential in therapy spaces School mental health services need significantly more funding and support.

Short-term therapy models often limit meaningful progressSelf-care and personal therapy are vital for therapists to prevent burnout.

Grief and loss can reshape purpose and perspective.

Support systems and relationships are central to healing.

Compassion, patience, and continuous learning strengthen both therapy and life.

To contact Andrea please use the following:

 Andrea Ratha Arulnayagam 180 Therapy

https://www.instagram.com/180.therapy?igsh=NDNua2ltdjlxMWs0