Can a therapist help with Relationship Anxiety?Guide from a Marriage and Family Therapist
When your mind races with worry about your partner’s feelings or the future of your relationship, it can feel isolating and overwhelming. You’re not alone in experiencing relationship anxiety—and seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you find yourself constantly seeking reassurance, checking your partner’s phone, or avoiding intimacy altogether, recognizing relationship anxiety is the first step toward building healthier relationships.
Finding the right mental health professional can feel daunting when you’re already managing anxious thoughts and emotional turbulence. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding qualified therapists for relationship anxiety, understanding different treatment approaches, and taking that crucial first step toward better mental health.
How to Find Qualified Therapists for Relationship Anxiety
To find a therapist who is truly qualified to address relationship anxiety, it’s essential to look beyond surface-level qualifications and dig deeper into their expertise, approach, and fit for your specific needs. Here are a few additional tips to help guide your search:
Search for therapists certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), one of the most effective approaches for addressing relationship anxiety. The International Centre for Excellence in EFT maintains a directory of certified practitioners, making it easier to find professionals specifically trained to help couples and individuals struggling with emotional connection and attachment challenges.
Check state licensing boards to verify therapist credentials and ensure there are no disciplinary actions on their record. Every licensed mental health professional should maintain ethical practices and meet professional standards, and this step offers an added layer of reassurance as you choose someone to work with.
Take time to read reviews or testimonials from past clients, either on the therapist’s website or trusted platforms like Google or Healthgrades. Pay attention to comments that highlight their empathy, cultural sensitivity, and ability to guide clients through anxiety-related challenges. While reviews aren’t the full picture, they can offer valuable insights into a therapist’s style and effectiveness.
If in-person visits are difficult due to a busy schedule or limited options in your area, online therapy can be a highly flexible and accessible option. Many private therapists now offer virtual sessions, allowing you to connect with a professional who fits your needs without being limited by geography. Remote sessions can also make it easier to find a therapist who matches your cultural or linguistic preferences, making the process more tailored and comfortable. This type of counseling is particularly helpful for individuals who value convenience without compromising on the quality of care.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of a consultation. Many therapists offer free or low-cost initial meetings, which are a great opportunity to assess how comfortable you feel with them. During this session, ask specific questions about their experience with relationship anxiety or their approach to handling attachment challenges. A good fit will make you feel heard, respected, and understood, laying the foundation for a trusting therapeutic relationship.
By thoroughly vetting your options and prioritizing compatibility alongside qualifications, you’ll be better equipped to find a therapist who can empower you toward growth, understanding, and healthier relationships.
Understanding Relationship Anxiety and When to Seek Help
Relationship anxiety is an ongoing struggle with worry, fear, or doubt about the stability, health, or future of a romantic relationship—even when there’s no clear reason for concern. While occasional worries are a normal part of relationships, this type of anxiety feels relentless. It disrupts your emotional well-being and day-to-day life, creating a sense of unease that’s hard to shake.
Picture this: It’s late at night, and instead of resting, you’re lying awake in bed. Your thoughts won’t stop racing. "Does my partner really love me?" "Are they growing distant?" You grab your phone, scrolling through old text messages, desperately looking for reassurance. Your heart races as you replay the day’s conversations, dissecting every word, searching for hidden meanings. Deep down, you know there’s no solid reason to worry, yet the fear grips you like it’s real. This cycle repeats night after night, leaving you drained, both emotionally and physically.
For those facing relationship anxiety, this is an all-too-familiar pattern. It’s a tug-of-war between your longing for connection and the fear of losing it, turning even small moments into sources of self-doubt and uncertainty.
Recent studies indicate that relationship anxiety affects approximately 15-20% of adults in romantic relationships, making it far more common than many people realize. The condition often stems from past relationship traumas, insecure attachment styles formed in early relationships, or low self esteem that creates unrealistic expectations about love and partnership. Many individuals find that seeking support through online therapy can be helpful in addressing these issues.
Common triggers include:
Past experiences of betrayal or abandonment
Anxious attachment styles developed in childhood
Previous relationship traumas that remain unprocessed
Low self esteem and negative thought patterns about worthiness
Family history of anxiety disorders or relationship instability
Physical symptoms often accompany the emotional distress of relationship anxiety. You might experience sleep disruption, stomach issues, panic attacks, or constant tension in your body. These symptoms occur because your nervous system remains in a state of high alert, constantly scanning for threats to your emotional connection.
Understanding the difference between normal relationship concerns and clinical anxiety requiring professional support is crucial. Everyone experiences some worry about their romantic relationship from time to time, but relationship anxiety becomes problematic when it interferes with your ability to form healthy relationships or maintain emotional connections.
Signs You Need Professional Support
Recognizing relationship anxiety symptoms can help you determine when it’s time to seek professional guidance. These behaviors often develop as coping mechanisms but ultimately create more distance and insecurity in relationships.
Constant need for reassurance from your partner multiple times daily signals that your anxiety has moved beyond normal relationship dynamics. If you find yourself asking “Do you still love me?” or seeking constant validation about your partner’s feelings, this pattern can exhaust both you and your relationship.
Intrusive thoughts about your partner leaving or cheating that consume your day indicate anxiety that requires professional attention. These thoughts often involve catastrophic scenarios that feel completely real, even when there’s no evidence supporting them. If you're struggling with these experiences, healing from infidelity can involve intentional steps for couples to reconnect and rebuild trust.
Avoidance of commitment or intimacy despite wanting close relationships creates a painful paradox. You might find yourself pulling away emotionally or sabotaging relationships when they become more serious, driven by fear of eventual abandonment.
Compulsive behaviors like checking your partner’s phone, social media, or whereabouts represent attempts to manage anxiety through control. These behaviors often provide temporary relief but ultimately increase suspicion and erode trust in the relationship.
When relationship anxiety begins interfering with work, friendships, or daily functioning, it’s time to consider seeking therapy. Professional support can help you develop effective coping strategies and address the underlying factors contributing to your anxious feelings.
Types of Therapists Who Specialize in Relationship Anxiety
Different types of mental health professionals can help with relationship anxiety, each bringing unique training and perspectives to treatment. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right professional for your specific needs and preferences.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) receive specific training in relationship and family systems. They understand how anxiety disorders manifest within romantic relationships and can work with both individuals and couples. LMFTs often have extensive experience helping people manage relationship anxiety while building healthier communication patterns.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) with relationship counseling specialization often take a holistic approach to therapy. They consider how your social environment, family dynamics, and cultural background contribute to your anxiety. Many LCSWs have additional training in couples therapy and understand how individual anxiety affects relationship dynamics.
Psychologists (PhD/PsyD) specializing in anxiety and attachment issues bring research-based approaches to treatment. They can conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and often have training in multiple therapeutic modalities. Psychologists may be particularly helpful if your relationship anxiety co-occurs with other mental health conditions.
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) with couples therapy certification offer another excellent option for relationship anxiety treatment. They often combine individual therapy techniques with relationship-focused interventions, helping you address personal anxiety while improving your emotional connection with your partner.
Psychiatrists who provide both therapy and medication management may be necessary if your relationship anxiety is severe or co-occurs with conditions like bipolar disorder or major depression. They can evaluate whether medication might support your therapy process and overall better mental health.
Certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) practitioners specialize in attachment-based treatment that directly addresses the roots of relationship anxiety. EFT practitioners understand how early attachment experiences shape adult relationships and use experiential techniques to build secure attachment styles.
Proven Therapy Approaches for Relationship Anxiety
Evidence-based therapeutic approaches have shown significant success in helping people overcome relationship anxiety. Research demonstrates that most effective treatments address both the cognitive and emotional aspects of anxiety, typically showing improvement within 8-20 sessions depending on the severity and individual factors.
Each therapeutic modality offers different strengths, and many therapists integrate multiple approaches based on your specific needs and response to treatment. Understanding these approaches can help you have informed conversations with potential therapists about their treatment philosophy and methods.
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy provides a hands-on, immersive approach to confronting and processing emotions often masked or repressed. It incorporates creative techniques like guided imagery, role-playing, and psychodrama to help individuals uncover deeper emotional truths linked to relationship anxiety.
By focusing on experiences rather than solely verbal discussion, this therapy allows you to address unresolved feelings and conflicts that may impact your relationships. Experiential therapy strengthens your self-awareness and emotional expression, helping you develop a deeper understanding of how your personal history influences current anxieties and behaviors.
Core elements of experiential therapy include:
Engaging in creative, nonverbal expressions of emotions
Exploring past relational dynamics and their influence on present concerns
Practicing new behaviors in a safe, structured environment
Gaining insight into your patterns and emotional responses
Experiential therapy is particularly beneficial for those who struggle to articulate their anxieties or feel stuck in traditional talk therapy approaches. By engaging in action-oriented exercises, you can connect more deeply with unresolved emotions and build healthier ways of relating to others.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT addresses underlying attachment issues and emotional patterns that contribute to relationship anxiety. This approach recognizes that anxious feelings often stem from fundamental fears about emotional safety and connection, rooted in past experiences and attachment styles formed early in life.
EFT helps individuals develop secure attachment styles by processing emotions in a safe therapeutic environment. The therapy uses experiential techniques that allow you to explore your emotional responses and understand how past relationship traumas influence current patterns.
Key elements of EFT include:
Identifying emotional triggers and attachment fears
Processing underlying emotions that drive anxious behaviors
Developing new ways of communicating emotional needs
Building capacity for emotional intimacy and vulnerability
EFT shows particularly strong results for relationship anxiety, with research indicating 70-75% of distressed couples move to recovery after EFT treatment. This approach works especially well when both partners are involved, though individual EFT can also be highly effective.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT teaches mindfulness and acceptance of anxious thoughts without being controlled by them. Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety entirely, this approach focuses on value-based living and maintaining committed relationship behaviors even when experiencing anxious feelings.
The therapy incorporates mindfulness exercises and behavioral activation techniques to help you observe anxious thoughts without immediately acting on them. You’ll learn to distinguish between productive concerns and anxiety-driven rumination, reducing the struggle with unwanted thoughts.
ACT strategies include:
Mindfulness practices for present-moment awareness
Values clarification exercises to identify what matters most in relationships
Defusion techniques to create distance from anxious thoughts
Commitment processes for taking value-based action despite anxiety
ACT helps reduce the exhausting cycle of fighting against anxiety while maintaining your relationship goals and personal growth. Many people find this approach particularly helpful for managing the persistent worry and constant worrying that characterize relationship anxiety.
What to Look for When Choosing a Relationship Anxiety Therapist
Selecting the right therapist for relationship anxiety requires careful consideration of several key factors. The therapeutic relationship itself is often the most important predictor of success, so finding someone who feels like a good fit personally and professionally is essential.
Specific training and experience treating relationship anxiety and attachment disorders should be your first consideration. Look for therapists who list anxiety disorders, relationship issues, or attachment-focused therapy as primary specializations. Ask about their experience specifically with relationship anxiety versus general anxiety treatment.
Licensed credentials in your state with good standing in professional boards ensures you’re working with someone who meets professional standards. Verify their license status and check for any disciplinary actions through your state’s licensing board website.
Specialization in evidence-based treatments like Experiential Therapy, EFT, or ACT demonstrates that the therapist uses approaches with proven effectiveness for relationship anxiety. Ask about their training in these modalities and how they might apply them to your specific concerns.
Comfortable therapeutic approach that feels supportive and non-judgmental is crucial for addressing sensitive relationship concerns. During initial consultations, pay attention to whether you feel heard and understood. The therapist should create a safe space where you can explore vulnerable emotions without fear of criticism.
Availability and scheduling that fits your needs ensures you can maintain consistent therapy attendance. Consider whether you need evening, weekend, or telehealth options, and discuss the therapist’s policies around session frequency and duration.
Trusting Your Gut: How You Feel When Talking to a Therapist Matters When searching for therapists for relationship anxiety, it’s crucial to trust your instincts about how you feel during your interactions with them. Beyond credentials and experience, the emotional connection you establish with a therapist plays a significant role in your healing journey. Pay close attention to your feelings during initial consultations and early sessions. Do you feel heard, respected, and understood? Does the therapist create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly share your worries and vulnerabilities? Feeling comfortable and emotionally safe allows you to engage fully in therapy, fostering trust and openness essential for progress. If you notice feelings of discomfort, judgment, or being rushed, these may be red flags that the therapist is not the right fit for you. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and a strong therapeutic alliance is key to managing relationship anxiety effectively. Listening to your gut can help you make empowered decisions about continuing or seeking a different therapist, ensuring that your mental health professional supports your personal well-being and growth every step of the way.
Questions to Ask Potential Therapists
Asking the right questions during initial consultations helps you evaluate whether a therapist is well-suited to help with your relationship anxiety. These conversations also give you insight into their treatment approach and philosophy.
“How many years have you been treating relationship anxiety specifically?” This question reveals their depth of experience with your particular concerns. Look for therapists who have dedicated focus on relationship issues rather than those who treat anxiety in general.
“What therapeutic approaches do you use for anxiety in relationships?” Understanding their preferred modalities helps you determine if they use evidence-based treatments. They should be able to explain their approach clearly and how it applies to relationship anxiety.
“Do you offer individual therapy, couples therapy, or both options?” Some relationship anxiety benefits from individual work, while other situations call for couples therapy. The best therapists can assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate format.
“What does your typical treatment plan look like for relationship anxiety?” This reveals their structured approach to treatment and helps you understand what to expect. They should be able to outline general phases of treatment and typical timelines.
“How do you measure progress and know when treatment goals are met?” Effective therapists track progress systematically and involve you in evaluating improvement. They should have clear ways of assessing whether therapy is helping you manage relationship anxiety more effectively.
“What is your experience with my specific concerns?” Whether your anxiety manifests as jealousy, fear of abandonment, or constant reassurance-seeking, the therapist should have relevant experience with your particular pattern of relationship anxiety.
What to Expect in Therapy for Relationship Anxiety
Understanding the therapy process can help reduce anxiety about seeking professional support and set realistic expectations for your healing journey. Most therapy for relationship anxiety follows a structured progression, though each person’s experience is unique.
Initial assessment sessions typically cover your relationship history, current anxiety symptoms, and treatment goals. Your therapist will ask about past relationships, family background, and specific situations that trigger your anxiety. This comprehensive evaluation helps them understand the underlying factors contributing to your relationship anxiety.
Development of a personalized treatment plan occurs after the initial assessment, with specific measurable objectives tailored to your needs. Your goals might include reducing reassurance-seeking behaviors, developing communication skills, or processing past relationship traumas. The plan should feel collaborative and address your most pressing concerns.
Weekly 50-minute sessions focus on skill-building and emotional processing, combining education about anxiety with practical tools for managing symptoms. Sessions often include reviewing homework assignments, practicing new techniques, and exploring emotional responses to relationship situations.
Homework assignments between sessions help you apply therapy concepts to real-life situations. These might include thought records for tracking anxious thoughts, communication exercises with your partner, or mindfulness practice for emotional regulation. Consistent homework completion often accelerates progress.
Regular progress reviews ensure that treatment remains focused and effective. Your therapist should check in about how you’re feeling, what’s working well, and what needs adjustment. This ongoing evaluation helps maintain momentum and modify approaches as needed.
Coordination with couples therapy may be recommended if you’re in a relationship where both partners want to work on relationship dynamics together. Some therapists provide both individual and couples sessions, while others may refer you to a specialist for joint work.
Cost and Insurance Coverage for Relationship Anxiety Therapy
Understanding the financial aspects of therapy helps you plan for treatment and explore all available options. The investment in professional support for relationship anxiety often pays dividends in improved relationships and overall quality of life.
Average therapy costs range from $150-250 per session depending on location, therapist credentials, and session length. Urban areas typically have higher fees, while rural areas may offer more affordable options. Specialized therapists with advanced training in relationship anxiety may charge premium rates.
Most insurance plans cover mental health treatment under parity laws enacted in 2008, which require equal coverage for mental and physical health conditions. However, coverage varies significantly between plans, so reviewing your specific benefits is essential.
Check your specific plan for copayments, deductibles, and session limits before beginning therapy. Some plans require meeting a deductible before coverage begins, while others offer immediate copayment benefits. Annual session limits can affect long-term treatment planning.
Sliding scale fees based on income are offered by many therapists for uninsured clients or those with limited financial resources. Don’t hesitate to ask about reduced-rate options, as many providers want to make therapy accessible regardless of financial circumstances.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) often provide 6-8 free sessions annually through workplace benefits. These programs can offer a cost-effective way to begin therapy for relationship anxiety, and many EAP providers can help with referrals for longer-term treatment.
Therapy Payment Options: Understanding Your Choices
When it comes to paying for therapy, it’s important to find an option that meets both your financial needs and your priorities for care. While in-network insurance can reduce direct costs, it often requires a formal diagnosis on your medical record and allows insurance companies to oversee key elements of your treatment, including session frequency. These restrictions can limit your privacy and control, which are essential for many clients seeking individualized care.
Out-of-network (OON) insurance offers a flexible alternative, allowing you to work with therapists who aren’t tied to insurance panels. While you’ll pay for sessions upfront, many plans offer partial or full reimbursement when you submit a superbill (an itemized receipt provided by your therapist). This option provides greater confidentiality and autonomy, as treatment decisions remain between you and your therapist, free from third-party oversight.
Private pay takes this one step further by eliminating insurance involvement entirely. Though it requires covering session costs directly, it gives you complete freedom in choosing a therapist based on qualifications and compatibility, rather than insurance constraints. This also ensures that your mental health records remain private, safeguarding sensitive information related to your therapy.
Both OON and private pay options prioritize your privacy and allow you to shape your care without outside interference. Whether you’re seeking support for relationship issues, work-life balance, or personal growth, these options enable you to focus solely on your healing process without added administrative hurdles.
Ultimately, deciding on a payment method is about aligning your preferences for confidentiality, control, and financial considerations. By weighing the benefits of out-of-network and private pay against your needs, you can invest in a therapeutic experience that supports your long-term well-being.
Online vs In-Person Therapy for Relationship Anxiety
Both online and in-person therapy can be highly effective for relationship anxiety, with research showing comparable outcomes for anxiety disorders across both modalities. Your choice often depends on personal preferences, accessibility, and specific treatment needs.
Research demonstrates that online therapy produces equally effective results for anxiety disorders as in-person treatment. Studies consistently show that the therapeutic relationship and evidence-based treatment approaches matter more than the delivery method for most mental health conditions.
Online therapy benefits include greater access to specialists who may not be available locally, flexible scheduling that accommodates work and family obligations, and the comfort of receiving therapy from your own home. For people with relationship anxiety, the familiar environment can sometimes make it easier to open up about sensitive topics.
In-person therapy advantages include better nonverbal communication between you and your therapist, fewer technical distractions during sessions, and a clear separation between therapy space and home environment. Some people find the ritual of traveling to therapy helps them focus more completely on the therapeutic process.
Consider your comfort level with technology and privacy needs at home when choosing between formats. If you share living space with your partner or family members, ensure you have a private space for therapy sessions. Technical issues can be disruptive to the therapeutic process, so reliable internet and backup plans are important.
Hybrid approaches combining in-person and telehealth sessions offer flexibility while maintaining strong therapeutic connection. Many therapists now offer both options, allowing you to choose session format based on your needs, schedule, or current circumstances.
Supporting Your Partner While Getting Help for Relationship Anxiety
Managing relationship anxiety affects both partners, and involving your significant other in your healing process can strengthen your emotional bond while reducing anxiety triggers. Open communication about your therapy goals helps foster mutual understanding and support.
Communicate openly about your anxiety and treatment goals with your partner early in the therapy process. Explain what relationship anxiety means, how it affects your behavior, and what you’re working on in therapy. This transparency helps your partner understand that your anxiety isn’t about them personally.
Ask for specific support like patience during the therapy process or willingness to attend couples sessions if recommended. Be clear about what helps and what doesn’t. For example, you might need your partner to avoid providing constant reassurance while you work on developing self-soothing skills.
Set boundaries around reassurance-seeking to avoid reinforcing anxious behaviors while you’re learning new coping strategies. Work with your therapist to identify which reassurance requests are reasonable versus those that perpetuate anxiety cycles. Your partner can support this process by gently redirecting you to use therapy techniques.
Practice new skills learned in therapy within your relationship daily. Whether it’s communication techniques, mindfulness exercises, or emotional regulation strategies, consistent practice helps integrate therapy concepts into your relationship dynamics. Share what you’re learning with your partner when appropriate.
Consider inviting your partner to some sessions if your therapist recommends it. Many relationship anxiety therapists occasionally include partners to improve understanding, practice communication skills, or address relationship dynamics that contribute to anxiety.
Maintain realistic expectations about the timeline for improvement, typically 3-6 months for noticeable changes in relationship anxiety patterns. Healing happens gradually, and your partner’s patience and support during setbacks can significantly impact your progress.
Red Flags: When to Find a Different Therapist
Recognizing when a therapeutic relationship isn’t working helps you make necessary changes to get the support you need for overcoming relationship anxiety. Trust your instincts if something feels off about your therapy experience.
Lack of specific training or experience with relationship anxiety should prompt you to seek someone with more relevant expertise. If your therapist seems unfamiliar with attachment theory, relationship dynamics, or anxiety disorders, they may not be equipped to provide the most effective treatment.
Sessions that consistently run over time or a therapist who seems distracted or unprepared indicates professional boundary issues. Your therapy time should be protected, and your therapist should be fully present and organized during sessions.
No clear treatment plan or goals established after the first few sessions suggests a lack of structured approach to your care. Effective therapy for relationship anxiety involves specific objectives and measurable progress markers.
Therapist who pushes you toward relationship decisions rather than supporting your autonomous choice-making violates therapeutic boundaries. Your therapist should help you explore options and develop decision-making skills, not advocate for specific relationship outcomes.
Feeling unheard, misunderstood, or unsupported in sessions indicates a poor therapeutic fit that’s unlikely to improve with time. The therapeutic relationship should feel safe, collaborative, and supportive of your growth.
No noticeable progress or skill development after 8-10 sessions of consistent attendance warrants evaluation of your treatment approach. While healing takes time, you should notice some improvement in your ability to manage anxiety or understand your patterns within the first few months.
Finding the right therapist for relationship anxiety is an investment in your emotional well being and your capacity for healthy relationships. Whether you’re experiencing relationship anxiety for the first time or have struggled with these patterns for years, professional support can help you develop the skills and understanding needed to build the fulfilling connection you deserve.
Remember that seeking therapy is a sign of self awareness and commitment to personal growth, not a failure or weakness. The journey toward managing relationship anxiety takes courage, but with the right professional support and evidence-based treatment, you can develop greater emotional resilience and enjoy more secure, satisfying romantic relationships.
Connect with a Therapist for Relationship Anxiety in Portland Oregon
Finding the right support is crucial in managing relationship anxiety. Begin your journey by connecting with a qualified therapist who specializes in relationship anxiety and attachment challenges. Many therapists offer a free initial consultation—often lasting 15 to 20 minutes—to discuss your concerns and determine if their approach aligns with your needs.
Once you’ve found a good fit, you’ll typically receive a secure intake form to share important background information about your relationship history, anxiety patterns, and personal goals. This helps your therapist tailor sessions specifically to your unique situation.
Your first therapy session will focus on exploring your experiences with relationship anxiety, attachment styles, and emotional connection. The goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel understood and empowered. Many clients leave their first session with a sense of hope and relief, knowing they’ve taken an important step toward healthier relationships and improved emotional well-being.
Don’t wait to invest in your mental health and relationship happiness. Reach out todayto schedule your consultation and start building the fulfilling connections you deserve.
Other Services We Offer for Couples & Individuals
At Spark Relational Counseling, we recognize that loneliness is just one aspect of mental well-being. We offer a variety of services, including:
Therapy for Anxiety in Washington, Oregon, and Illinois helps you manage and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Dating & Relationship Therapy to help women build confidence in romantic relationships
Infidelity Counseling, Marriage Counseling, and Premarital Counseling, including support for partners to resolve disputes and find effective solutions together
Therapy for Entrepreneurs navigating the stress of business ownership
Therapy for Adult Children of Immigrant and Cross-cultural Individuals, we value diversity and cultural sensitivity, and offer support for individuals navigating the unique challenges of having immigrant or cross-cultural parents.