My Journey to Marriage and Family Therapy: A Personal Reflection

Therapist conducting a counseling session with a couple in a serene and welcoming environment, focusing on relationship harmony and cultural sensitivity.

It is perhaps ironic that I wish to devote my life to marriage and family therapy, since I have been living alone for the past ten years. This period has been my most formative, with all of my family back in my native Japan. But I know exactly why I am drawn to this field. It stems from my reflections on my own struggles and those of my family.

Embracing Cultural Diversity

I have traveled to many places, including Hong Kong, Singapore, New Caledonia, and England. Each journey has deepened my respect for cultural diversity. Traveling has allowed me to mature and learn many things, especially how family life varies across cultural contexts. What fascinates me most is studying the core similarities that exist within all families, regardless of culture. I aim to separate these universal factors from those influenced by specific cultural backgrounds.

What I appreciate most about America is its cultural diversity. I hope to build a family therapy practice that caters to the unique needs of families from this rich cultural heritage. As an Asian woman, I recognize that my identity will shape my writing, research, and future publications. I envision focusing on the Asian woman and family, much like the themes explored in one of my favorite movies, The Joy Luck Club.

Academic Pursuits and Interests

I chose to complete my B.S. Degree in Human Services with a special focus on mental health because psychology has always been my favorite subject. I believe in specializing in what you are passionate about. Alongside cultural diversity, I enjoy learning about immigrant issues and adolescent development. I find the communication challenges between immigrant parents and their second-generation children particularly compelling. As a first-generation immigrant myself, I anticipate these issues will be significant in my life. Many of my Asian friends face profound challenges in this area.

One research topic I am eager to explore is why Asian parents often prioritize their children's education to the point of obsession. This focus can significantly impact children's emotional and mental well-being. In Japan, it is not uncommon for young people who are rejected from their desired colleges to contemplate suicide. This alarming trend highlights the issues I am eager to address.

Long-Term Goals and Aspirations

My long-term goal is to attain my PsyD Degree after gaining valuable experience as a therapist. This aspiration is not solely about teaching in America; I envision returning to Japan to dedicate my life to improving marriage and family counseling programs in Japanese universities. I am particularly concerned about the high rates of child abuse in Japan and the government's failure to address this critical issue.

Perhaps one way to encapsulate all of this is to say that my central goal in life is to know myself. I often reflect on my own journey, including the bullying I faced from other girls in elementary and junior high school. I remember the bitter quarrels between my parents over my father's business. During those times, we didn’t have school counselors. I spent much of my time daydreaming in my room to escape reality.

I also think about my parents’ divorce while I was in high school. My father's departure left a lasting impact. I often wonder why I coped better than my mother initially. She and my grandparents spent so much time complaining about him after he was gone, rather than moving on.

The Impact of Personal Experience

Since childhood, I have been told that I resemble my father. This resemblance sometimes added to my feelings of guilt, as if his problems were mine. In Japan, we are not known for being emotional. So, when I found myself crying in front of my high school friends, I felt uncomfortable. I became depressed and pessimistic.

One day, I read that studying psychology is popular in the USA. I learned that seeking help from psychologists is common. I wanted to escape my family while simultaneously wanting to understand our dysfunction. After graduating high school, I worked full-time to save money for my move to the USA to study psychology.

When I transferred to XXXX University, I met a Japanese friend who was a graduate student in the Counseling/MFT Program. She taught me a lot, which inspired me to change my major from Psychology to Human Services. I wanted to focus more on mental health and counseling, rather than studying laboratory rats.

A Defining Moment

I began working with children at counseling centers. One particular experience left a profound impression on me. I met a four-month-old Asian baby who had been abused by his parents. His big, round eyes were filled with innocence and need. As he craved the nurture of a mother, he grabbed my arms and buried his little head in my chest. In that moment, I knew my fate was sealed.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and for your consideration of my application to your program. I am eager to contribute to the field of marriage and family therapy, focusing on cultural diversity and the unique challenges faced by families.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey has been shaped by personal experiences, cultural insights, and a deep commitment to understanding family dynamics. I look forward to the opportunity to further my education and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Thank you for considering my application.