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Breaking Free from Cultural Pressures: Navigating Guilt, Mental Health, and Boundaries as a Greek-American

Stef Speaks Radio

Release Date: 10/08/2024

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Anastasios Tseheridis is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience in mental health. A First-Generation Greek American, he draws from his background in psychology and sociology to navigate family dynamics and cultural challenges. After completing his undergrad at USC in 2005 and a Master’s in 2012, he worked in group homes, community services, and Children and Youth Services for the County of Orange, where he served as a clinician and intake coordinator. Known for his upfront style, he empowers clients to adopt sustainable, healthy lifestyles. His goal is to transition into private practice.

 

In this episode we talk about:

Personal experiences of growing up in a Greek-American household.

Discussion on how Greek cultural and family dynamics shape one’s worldview.

Exploring how guilt and shame manifest within the Greek upbringing (relating to other cultures as well).

Discussion on ingrained beliefs from a young age, how they contribute to feelings of guilt when deviating from family expectations.

Pressures faced growing up to meet certain standards & the emotional impact of falling short or changing course from expectations

The difference between family’s definition of success and personal definitions.

How to navigate family expectations while embracing authentic self.

Discussing cultural pressure to be “perfect” and how to redefine perfection.

Insight from a therapist’s perspective on understanding this type of guilt.

Explanation of what boundaries are and what they do.

Importance of setting boundaries, especially in the context of upbringing.

...and more!

 

 
 
 

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