S2.E4. - Therapy Isn’t a Dirty Word – Why Latinos Deserve to Heal Too

Why is therapy still treated like a dirty little secret in so many Latino households? In this episode, Melisa and Christy sit down with Dr. Lisette Sanchez—a bilingual and bicultural psychologist, writer, international speaker, and founder of Calathea Wellness, a virtual platform for first-gen professionals.Raised in Southern California by Salvadoran and Mexican immigrant parents, Dr. Lisette brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the convo. Together, we unpack:Why therapy is still taboo in our familiesHow silence, guilt, and “aguántate” culture impact mental healthThe power of tears as medicineBoundaries as survival + liberationThis one is real, raw, and necessary for anyone who’s ever been told therapy “isn’t for us.” Healing is for all of us—and it starts when we stop whispering and start talking.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction + Welcome01:18 – Catching Up and Life Updates04:26 – Meet Dr. Lisette Sanchez07:54 – Therapy Experiences and Cultural Stigmas39:02 – The Power of Tears42:37 – Navigating Family Dynamics47:05 – Boundaries as Love Language01:06:22 – Spicy Questions + ClosingLinks on the Science of Tears: The Chemistry of Tears by SciPlanet - https://www.bibalex.org/SCIplanet/en/Article/Details?id=19105All About Emotional Tears by American Academy of Opthamology - https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/all-about-emotional-tears About Dr. Lisette Sanchez:Dr. Lisette is a bilingual and bicultural psychologist, international speaker, writer, and founder of Calathea Wellness, where she supports first-gen professionals navigating identity, belonging, and intergenerational healing. Whether through therapy, writing, or public speaking, she helps individuals transform cultural complexity into clarity, pride, and purpose.Follow Dr. Lisette:🌐 Website: calatheawellness.com📲 Instagram: @thefirstgenpsychologist💼 LinkedIn: thefirstgenpsychologist📺 YouTube: @thefirstgenpsychologist Connect with Us:📱 IG + YouTube: @mybrainestaspicy💌 [email protected] Product & Service Links: Some of the links we share may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely love and believe could be helpful. Your support helps keep My Brain Está Spicy running, and we appreciate you!Gin Gin Chews Loop Earplugs Avulux Migraine Glasses LMNT Electrolytes Buoy  Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational & entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, or other qualified licensed professionals. For questions about your health, legal, or financial situations, please consult the proper professionals. Listeners should not disregard symptoms or delay in obtaining medical assistance from qualified medical professionals for any conditions they may have.Distributed by Genuina Media Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.