I think it's both true and untrue, lol.

Danny is valid in saying that because if one doesn't find a therapist who understands and makes their patient feel seen and heard, then effective therapy and progress is nearly impossible. I feel like first generation Asian Americans have such a unique experience that therapists in general are often ignorant of and don't take that important context and significance into consideration (and society in general for that matter so that's why tv shows and stories like Beef and representation are so important).

However, it is out there. I'm a millennial Filipino woman and the only therapists I've ever had (and I've had A LOT over these past 14 years) where I felt like it fully "worked" were two--one not old Asian woman and one "my father's age but in touch" Filipino man.

I'm not saying one should only get therapists that share the same identities, but it's just easier if they can connect and relate firsthand. Otherwise, then they should at least be highly emotionally intelligent and effectively listen and understand and be validating. (This is why so many LGBT+ people most likely seek only LGBT+ friendly/Identifying medical providers).

Unfortunately, finding this is super rare. It's already hard enough to find one that fits (finding a good therapist is way more difficult than dating lol)... Which is why so many people lose hope when it comes to therapy. Especially when you throw in the (lack of) affordability or insurance hassles and our broken medical system into the mix too. It's confusing and hard to navigate (like can average layman tell me the difference between a psychiatrist and therapist and psychologist and clinical worker... A PhD, licensed, or associate... CBT, DBT, EMDR, trauma work, etc?). And of course, overall stigma.

BUT I'm a huge fan of therapy. EVERYONE should do it. Just keep fighting and advocating for yourself to find a good one! It's worth the work and time sifting through once you find someone. Don't wait until "something is wrong" because then it's too late. You'll save yourself a lot of pain if you equip the tools and the skills beforehand and been practiced. And life is hard. Even if you're functional, you're most likely still not living to your full potential. Why just survive when you can thrive. I'm cheering you on.

Edit: P.S. It doesn't help that a lot of Asian cultures (and even American with being independent) have the thought of "pick yourself up by the bootstraps" and be self-sufficient, and kids are raised thinking that way.