First Gen Second Thoughts

First Gen, Second Thoughts Two humans tryna heal… who also happen to be married. Breaking cycles isn’t just a buzzword; for us, it’s a daily practice. First Gen, Second Thoughts is a raw, relatable exploration of the intersection between cultural expectations, mental health, and the modern marriage. Hosted by Raja and Arishma, this space serves as a gateway for those who feel like therapy "isn’t for people like us." We bring our own unique backgrounds to the conversation: Raja, an SFSU Psychology grad with an emphasis in Child Development, focuses on unearthing the roots of our behaviors to build a healthier foundation for the next generation; Arishma, a UC Davis Linguistics alumna, specializes in the art of communication and the deep connections formed—or broken—by the way we speak to ourselves and each other. We’re peeling back the curtain on our own journeys—from the awkward first sessions to the "aha" moments—to show that healing doesn't have to be clinical or intimidating. Whether you’re navigating the weight of immigrant parents’ expectations or just trying to be a better partner, we’re here to prove that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start; you just have to start to figure it out. We’re just two people having second thoughts about the old ways of doing things and finding better ways to move forward. Grab some chai, and let’s challenge ourselves. firstgensecondthoughts.substack.com