As a South Asian or Middle Eastern woman in North America, are you struggling with dating and meeting family expectations?
You aren't alone.
Discover how to find harmony with cultural balance and boundaries ♥
As a South Asian or Middle Eastern woman in North America, are you struggling with dating and meeting family expectations?
You aren't alone.
Discover how to find harmony with cultural balance and boundaries ♥
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Dating & Cultural Balance through here.
Do you feel stress about your family disapproving your dating choices?
Are you torn between your dating needs and meeting your family's expectations?
Maybe you know your family loves you, but if you follow what they want for you, it would be sacrificing your sense of self-love.
Your happiness is important.
If you agree that your happiness must be part of your family's consideration for your relationship, then this support group is for you.
The Cultural Balance Support Group is a safe space with an expert-led program for women in North America from Middle Eastern or South Asian immigrant families.
The support group regularly meets to learn how to:
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Dating & Cultural Balance through here.
Each meet up is an hour long with the opportunity to interact with others in breakout rooms of 2-4 people
It's all casual —feel free to bring a cup of tea, a snack or dinner!
The first part of the meet up is for us to get to know each other and discuss things like:
The following segment will take place in breakout rooms.
A reflective topic is usually offered by facilitators to support you through your personal journey.
Last, but not least, the closing of the meet-up allows for time to share our insights.
A private community of like-minded women
Learning and discussion under the guidance of an expert who has walked in your shoes
Have access to resources and an expert designed program to make positive change
Connect to other members and guest speakers through live chat
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Dating & Cultural Balance through here.
As you work together with a team of experts with similar lived experience, check out these benefits you will gain.
Comfort knowing there are others who are going through a similar situation
Being part of an encouraging community that provides emotional support
Learn that it's okay and healthy to want something different from your family's expectations
Useful and insightful perspectives from women in the same situation
Becoming an advocate of your needs
Effective ways to communicate your needs to your family
Working with an accountability partner to help you commit to your needs
Methods to manage your family's expectations
Ways to align your relationship and family
Learning how to decide if a relationship is right for you
Dating strategies to improve your relationship or find a good partner
Connecting with like-minded women and encourage each other's improvement
Supportive friendships
And much more!
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Dating & Cultural Balance through here.
Maybe you’re thinking,
The complexity of navigating your home culture while pursuing a fulfilling life and relationship has many obstacles
You could be feeling the pressure of living up to your family's definition of an ideal relationship.
You could be doubting if you are right to want something different than what your family expects.
You could fear of expressing your needs or authentic thoughts to your family or partner.
Maybe you feel like having true happiness while being accepted by your family is impossible..
The wrong choice or words or not being on the same page with either your family or partner causes stress and strains the relationships.
Maybe you're confused if a relationship dynamic with your partner or family is healthy or not.
Being judged, criticized, or rejected by either your family or partner is scary and painful.
With these obstacles, it isn't a wonder that navigating relationships is hard!
However, most don't realize how much of a positive difference a supportive community can make
As a team of women helping women,
we know how difficult dating is, and we want a better outcome for our fellow sisters.
We want dating to be easier, and we are paving a path to make sure you can overcome these difficulties.
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Dating & Cultural Balance through here.
"There's no point. My family will never understand."
When all the past relationship related discussions with your family haven't gone well, it totally makes sense to feel this way.
However, when you join the support group and learn new things, what if you discover ways to improve the situation?
What if you grow towards your best self and change how you and your family interact?
What if advocating for your needs in a different way causes them to listen?
The future is never set in stone, and your choices in the present can make a positive difference.
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Dating & Cultural Balance through here.
Still thinking?
Members gain free access to:
The Cultural Balance Dating Support Group is designed to provide a foundational support system for your wellbeing.
The program will also make a positive difference for you, your partner, your family, and your overall quality of life...
We highly recommend subscribing for at least 3 months to allow for enough time for you to grow and see positive change.
This is an ongoing online support community, members can join and leave as they see fit.
The support group does not replace professional therapy.
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Dating & Cultural Balance through here.
Do I need to share right away?
Not at all! You can choose to do whatever you feel comfortable with.
Our expert facilitators will make sure the support group is a positive and safe experience for you.
Do I need to turn on my camera?
Yes. It feels more comfortable to share when we all see each other.
Can I connect with other participants on the platform or outside?
Absolutely! We highly encourage participants to connect with each other through one-on-one chat and share contact details if they feel comfortable. Many of our participants meet outside the weekly meetings and have formed life-long friendships!
Do I need to engage with other participants outside of the sessions?
It’s totally up to you. You may decide how and where you engage with the other participants outside of the weekly meetings.
Research evidence indicates that support groups create more impactful positive changes when participants engage with each other and combine their various insights, perspectives and learned wisdom.
Will the facilitators be available for individual calls if difficulties come up and I need to speak with someone?
We encourage you to let us know you would like to speak with someone through the Dating & Cultural Balance Support Group's platform’s chat function. You will receive useful perspectives and encouragement from your fellow support group participants while gaining insight from the expertise of the facilitators.
The facilitators are not available for phone calls. If you need further individual support, we recommend exploring professional counselling services. Please see the Q&A below for more information.
What if I need more than what the Dating & Cultural Balance Support Group community offers?
The Dating & Cultural Balance Support Group is not a replacement for professional counselling services. If you feel that you need more individual support, counselling could be helpful for you.
You can reach out to Mobina Hasan at Admin@CounsellingForAll.org for a referral to a counsellor that specializes in working with other counsellors.
How will you protect my personal information?
The Dating & Cultural Balance Support Group is a safe space for you and your information. We have measures in place to prevent doxxing and keep important data confidential. Support group participants are encouraged and regularly reminded to refrain from sharing personal information.
What are you waiting for?
Take a chance for your happiness and find harmony for yourself, your family and your partner!
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Dating & Cultural Balance through here.
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