Therapy in your own language: why Urdu, Punjabi or Pashto can matter
Some feelings only make sense in the language you grew up with. Therapy in your own language can help you say what you really mean.
Why language matters in therapy
Emotions are often tied to the language in which we first felt them. Childhood memories, family conflicts and prayers may all live in Urdu, Punjabi or Pashto, even if you work in English. Describing them in a second language can feel distant, like describing someone else's life.
Words that do not translate
- "Dil ghabrata hai": not quite anxiety, not quite sadness.
- "Udaasi": a sorrow that is more than feeling down.
- "Sharam" and "izzat": shame and honour with layers English does not capture.
- "Tension": used for everything from stress to depression.
A therapist who understands these words understands you faster.
Mixing languages
Many people switch languages mid-sentence. In therapy that is fine. A bilingual therapist will follow you wherever your words go.
For older relatives
Parents and grandparents may find it much easier to talk in their first language. Online therapy can connect them with a professional who speaks it, wherever they live.
Language and culture together
A therapist who speaks your language often also understands the culture: joint families, religious practices, expectations around marriage and careers. You spend less time explaining and more time getting help.
Finding a therapist who speaks your language
On Therapy O'Clock you can filter professionals by language, including Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Saraiki and English. Each profile shows the languages they work in.
Questions people ask
Can I have therapy in Urdu?
Yes. Many professionals on Therapy O'Clock work in Urdu as well as English.
Is therapy more effective in your first language?
Many people find it easier to express emotions in their first language, which can help therapy feel more real and connected.
Can I switch between English and Urdu in sessions?
Yes. Bilingual therapists will follow whichever language feels natural to you.
Can my parents have therapy in Punjabi?
Yes. Some professionals on Therapy O'Clock work in Punjabi, which can help older relatives.
Are there therapists who speak Pashto?
Yes. You can filter professionals by language, including Pashto.
What if I don't speak my heritage language well?
That's fine. You can have therapy in English with a professional who understands your culture.
Does a therapist need to share my culture to help me?
Not necessarily, but many people find shared language and culture make them feel understood faster.
Can therapy in Urdu be done online from the UK?
Yes. You can have sessions in Urdu from anywhere with an internet connection.
Are cultural expressions like 'dil ghabrata hai' understood by therapists?
Professionals who speak Urdu or Punjabi understand these expressions and what they often signal.
How do I find a therapist who speaks my language?
Use the language filter on Therapy O'Clock to see professionals who work in Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Saraiki or English.