Navigating Two Worlds with Immigrant Parents - You're Not Alone

Welcome to the Empowered with Immigrant Parents Podcast

Hey, and welcome to Empowered with Immigrant Parents! I'm Allison Ly—your host, your coach, and a fellow adult with immigrant parents—and I’m so excited you're here.

In this post, I’ll be sharing the top five most powerful affirmations that adults with immigrant parents often need to hear—and come back to—especially during moments of doubt or overwhelm.

Being an adult with immigrant parents, I've always had a hard time taking up space and showing up more "publicly". I've learned to keep the peace, and stay out of "trouble"

And on top of that, I’ve battled imposter syndrome, fear of showing up, guilt, and shame—topics we’ll be unpacking throughout the show. So if you’ve ever felt stuck in between worlds, navigating your own dreams while caring for your immigrant parents, you’re in the right place.

Why This Podcast Exists

Growing up, there wasn’t a lot of conversation around what it meant to live between two cultures. Sure, there's more visibility now—Asian representation is growing in media—but so many of our stories still go untold. We internalize struggles, blame ourselves, and think we’re the problem. I want this podcast to be a space where you feel validated, supported, and seen.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve worked with adults with immigrant parents and individuals with immigrant backgrounds in various roles—therapist, coach, case manager—and the same themes come up again and again. This show will share those patterns, offer practical tools, and feature guests who are walking this path too.

Who This Podcast Is For

This space is for you if you are an adult with immigrant parents, and: 

• You feel guilty for getting frustrated with your family when you actually really do want to help them and have good relationships with them

• You’re burnt out from constantly giving and are rarely receiving or don't know how to receive support from others

• You struggle with setting boundaries, or don't know how to set them

• You want to show up for your loved ones without losing yourself, your goals and dreams too but don't know how

• You’ve ever thought cutting the people you care about the most off was the only way to find peace 

If so, you're not alone, and you're not wrong for feeling this way. We'll explore other options and ways you can improve your relationships with others, and yourself, together.

What You Can Expect

We’ll cover:

• Boundaries & communication

• Family dynamics & attachment styles

• Sandwich generation stress (caring for kids and aging parents)

• Perfectionism, guilt, and imposter syndrome

• Stories from other adults with immigrant parents

You’ll hear raw, relatable conversations that make you feel a little less alone—and a lot more empowered.

A Little About Allison

I’m Chinese Vietnamese, born and raised in Southern California. My parents are from Vietnam, and like many kids of immigrants, I grew up translating documents, filling out forms, and feeling responsible for adult decisions before I was ready.

Being born in the US, while my parents weren't - there were and still are a lot I don't know about my family heritage and background. It's hard to find the balance and discover what I want to do . I didn’t even know about my full cultural background until college.

Thanks to incredible mentors and support systems, I was able to pursue higher education, study abroad, and eventually become a licensed therapist and coach. Today, I use my lived and professional experience to help as many adults with immigrant parents, like you, care for their loved while also unlocking their fullest potential, and build the life they want—without sacrificing yourself to do it.

The 5 Most Powerful Affirmations You Need

Here are the top five affirmations (and one bonus!) that my clients have found most helpful. Say them out loud, write them down, put them on sticky notes—whatever works for you.

1. I am doing the best that I can.

2. My parents, my family, and others are doing the best that they can.

3. Just because someone doesn’t agree with me doesn’t mean I am wrong.

4. I am great just as I am.

5. I am doing enough.

6. BONUS: I am enough.

We’ll talk more about these affirmations in the next episode—why I chose them and how to actually feel their truth.

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A Reminder

This podcast and blog is not therapy and is not intended to be a replacement for you seeking therapy. It’s informational and educational. If you’re seeking medical or mental health services, please consult with a provider in your area.