Filipino American Trauma Reflection Quiz
Could Therapy Help You Heal from Cultural or Generational Trauma?
Many Filipino and Asian American adults carry trauma without realizing it—because it doesn’t always look like what we’re taught trauma “should” look like. This self-assessment was created to help you gently explore whether therapy might support your mental health and healing.
Use this scoring system:
- 0 = Not at all true
- 1 = Somewhat true
- 2 = Very true
Section 1: Cultural and Generational Messages
- I was taught not to talk about family problems with others.
- I feel responsible for making my family’s sacrifices “worth it.”
- I’ve felt ashamed or weak for wanting to go to therapy.
- I’ve struggled to balance being Filipino with being American.
- I avoid sharing emotions, especially with family.
Subtotal (out of 10): _______
Section 2: Family and Childhood Dynamics
- My family used yelling, silent treatment, or guilt instead of open communication.
- I had to act like an adult or caretaker when I was still a child.
- I feared disappointing my parents more than expressing myself.
- Painful topics were often swept under the rug in my household.
- I didn’t feel emotionally safe or supported growing up.
Subtotal (out of 10): _______
Section 3: Identity and Belonging
- I’ve felt like I don’t fully belong—either in Filipino or American spaces.
- I’ve experienced racism, colorism, or microaggressions that still affect me.
- I feel guilty when I try to set boundaries with my family.
- I rarely see my experience reflected in mainstream mental health discussions.
- I feel alone in navigating these identity challenges.
Subtotal (out of 10): _______
Section 4: Body and Nervous System
- I often feel anxious, tense, or “on edge” even when things seem okay.
- I experience unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue.
- I find myself people-pleasing, overthinking, or freezing under stress.
- I have difficulty relaxing or getting quality sleep.
- My body often feels like it’s in survival mode.
Subtotal (out of 10): _______
Section 5: ACEs – Adverse Childhood Experiences (Culturally Sensitive Version)
These questions reflect common but often overlooked childhood experiences that may impact mental and emotional health later in life.
- A parent, guardian, or adult often yelled at, shamed, or insulted me.
- I sometimes felt emotionally neglected, even if my physical needs were met.
- Someone in my household struggled with alcoholism, addiction, or untreated mental illness.
- I experienced or witnessed physical punishment that felt scary or extreme.
- My parents’ relationship involved a lot of conflict, control, or emotional tension.
Subtotal (out of 10): _______
Your Total Score (Out of 50): _______
Take a breath and check in with yourself before looking at your results. This is not a clinical diagnosis—just a tool to increase self-awareness and support your healing journey.
What Your Score Might Mean
- 0–15: You may be doing well overall, but if any answers stood out, therapy could still offer support, clarity, and personal growth.
- 16–30: You are likely carrying some emotional or cultural burdens. Therapy can help you unpack those patterns in a culturally sensitive way.
- 31–40: Your score suggests past trauma may be impacting your present life. Therapy can support healing, boundary setting, and emotional regulation.
- 41–50: You’re carrying a lot, possibly including complex trauma. You deserve support from a trauma-informed therapist who honors your cultural background.
Consider Therapy that Honors Your Story
At Sweet Mango Therapy Group, we provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy for Filipino and Asian American adults in San Ramon, CA and throughout California. We’re here to help you feel seen, supported, and safe as you unpack the stories that shaped you.Ready to begin your healing journey?
Schedule a free consultation with a Filipino American therapist who understands the intersection of culture and mental health.
