I Thought Therapy Wasn’t for People Like Me—Until I Became a Therapist

Okay, story time. 🎙️

When I first considered becoming a therapist, I had my doubts. I grew up in a cultural space where mental health wasn’t something we talked about. It wasn’t that people didn’t care—it’s just that we didn’t have the language to express it. We talked about everything else—work, family, relationships—but mental health? That was off the table.

As I got older, I realized something felt off. I began to see the struggles around me, but no one was talking about it. There was this unspoken weight people were carrying, and I knew it wasn’t just me—so many in my community were going through the same thing. But the idea of seeking help? That felt out of reach.

I couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong at first. But I soon realized we were all holding onto generational cycles—issues left unresolved and ignored because we didn’t have the space to address them. The absence of mental health care in my community wasn’t just personal—it was a collective challenge.

Still the doubts crept in:

Why would I even want to work in this field?

What will people think of me?

Therapy seems so uncomfortable and unknown

It seemed easier to pursue a more traditional path—something people could understand, like being a doctor or an engineer. But the more I reflected, the more I realized this was the path I needed to take. I wasn’t just breaking cycles for myself; I wanted to help others do the same.

Becoming a therapist helped me break my own stereotypes about therapy. It wasn’t about sitting in a chair, spilling my life story, and getting advice. It was a deeper, more nuanced process. Therapy became a way to understand myself, uncover things I hadn’t realized I needed to address. It’s not about “fixing” people—it’s about empowering them to heal on their own terms. Therapy is a space to explore your identity, your struggles, and your dreams in a safe, real way.

What I’ve learned—and what I want to share with you—is that therapy isn’t about having everything figured out or being broken. It’s about having the courage to unpack what holds us back and finding a space where we can be heard. It’s about breaking free from the cycles of silence and shame that have been passed down for generations.

This is especially important for BIPOC communities, where mental health has been historically overlooked or stigmatized. Asking for help is hard when you don’t think anyone truly understands. That’s why spaces like Rubiks matter—where we can come together to heal. Our team is made up of culturally responsive therapists who understand the unique experiences of BIPOC communities. We’ve lived it, and we’re here to support you through it.

If you’re curious about therapy, here are a few steps to help you start:

1. Give yourself permission to be curious.

You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. Therapy doesn’t always need to be a “fixing” thing—it can just be a space to check in, reflect, and explore what’s going on in your life.

2. Ask questions.

Not sure how therapy works or what to expect? No problem. Start with a consultation (we’ve got a whole blog post on questions to ask). The important thing is that you feel comfortable asking what you need to.

3. Look for someone who gets your lived experience.

You deserve to feel seen and heard. Finding a therapist who understands or respects your cultural background can make all the difference. It’s about finding someone who gets it, not just someone who’s checking boxes.

4. Take it one step at a time.

Therapy can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The first step might just be a simple conversation. There’s no pressure—take it at your own pace.

5. Remember, you're not alone.

For a lot of us in BIPOC communities, therapy hasn’t always felt like it was meant for us—but things are changing. Healing doesn’t always have to happen alone, either. Sometimes it happens in community, in spaces where we don’t feel like we have to explain ourselves. You belong in those spaces too.

Ready to take the next step—no pressure, just a conversation? Book a free consultation with us here. Let’s explore together whether therapy is the right fit for you.

-Samiyah Zawawi

Co-founder, Registered Psychotherapist