Walking in Your Shoes: Understanding the Experience
Growing up as a South Asian in a world that doesn’t always understand your culture, values, or experiences, I learned firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate life while carrying the weight of both external pressures and internal expectations.
From family obligations and cultural norms to the subtle—but real—stress of being a racialized person in society, these experiences shape our mental health in profound ways. In therapy, I hold space for all of that—the unseen burdens, the cultural nuances, and the emotions that often go unspoken—because I understand them not only professionally, but personally.
Why This Matters for Mental Health
Living in a world that sometimes misunderstands or overlooks your identity can create layers of stress that quietly affect your well-being. Microaggressions, discrimination, and cultural stigma around mental health can lead to feelings of isolation, self-doubt, or guilt.
Many BIPOC individuals struggle with trying to meet both cultural and personal expectations, often at the cost of their own emotional health. I have lived this tension myself, and I know how deeply it can influence every part of life—from confidence and relationships to day-to-day stress. Recognising and naming these impacts is the first step toward real healing.
Creating a Space Where You Belong
In our work together, I aim to create a safe, validating, and culturally-informed space where you never have to explain or justify your identity. We explore the challenges you face as a BIPOC individual, uncover coping strategies for stress and systemic pressures, and build resilience that honours who you are at your core.
My goal is to help you not just survive the complexities of life, but to thrive—feeling seen, understood, and supported in a way that only someone with lived experience and cultural insight can provide.
Laiba Hayat
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA-HON, MACP
Laiba Hayat is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who provides a warm, grounded space for women, teens, and adults seeking support through anxiety, identity, relationships, motherhood, and life transitions. With an approach rooted in somatic, narrative, CBT, and attachment-based therapy, she helps clients heal more deeply and reconnect with themselves in lasting ways.
