Second generation young adults

What is it?

Young adults whose parents or grandparents migrated often carry both their family's story and the expectations of the country they grew up in. Transitions such as school, university, a first job, relationships and moving out of the family home are the moments when these two worlds meet most strongly.

Pressure to succeed, the wish to be worthy of your family's sacrifices, experiences of discrimination or prejudice, and the need to find your own path can all arrive at once. These experiences also bring many strengths. Sessions on this page are for young adults aged 18 and over; for younger people, child and adolescent specialists where you live will be a better fit.

Common signs

Constantly balancing the expectations of your family and those around you
Fear that if you fail you will let your family down
Anger or withdrawal after experiences of discrimination or prejudice
Strong indecision about career, relationships or moving out
Tiredness from being seen as "the one from abroad" in Turkey and "the immigrant" where you live
A sense that you can never fully explain yourself to anyone

These signs alone do not mean a diagnosis; an assessment takes place in an in person or online session.

How can therapy help?

With Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) we look at thought patterns that come with performance pressure, perfectionism and anxiety, and try to clarify what truly matters to you when facing important decisions.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy makes room to understand how your family's migration story was passed on to you, the expectations carried without being spoken, and how you have built your own identity. Sessions can be in Turkish or English, online or in person.

Approaches I use in this area

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A structured approach that looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and works on changing unhelpful cycles.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy

An approach that explores how past experiences, relationship patterns and feelings outside our awareness shape the present.

Online therapy for people living abroad, in Turkish or English

Wherever you live, in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK or further away, you can talk in the language you feel most at home in. Sessions take place over a secure video call, in Turkish or English.

When is extra support needed?

Nothing described on this page on its own means a diagnosis. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, deep hopelessness or your safety is at risk, call the emergency number of the country you live in (112 across the EU, 999 in the UK) or go to the nearest emergency department. If medication or regular in person care is needed, you may need to see a GP or psychiatrist where you live.

Frequently asked questions

My Turkish is not very good. Can we still work together?

Of course. Sessions can be held in English, and you are welcome to mix both languages. What matters is that you can express yourself comfortably.

I am 17. Can I book sessions?

This work is for adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, a school psychologist, your GP or child and adolescent mental health services where you live can offer the most suitable support.

Does my family need to know?

As an adult you can start therapy on your own decision, and what is discussed in sessions is confidential. Whether to share it with your family is up to you.

Every process is personal. Therapy does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it offers a safe space for change.