But What Will People Say?

“Venturing beyond traditional Western therapeutic approaches, psychotherapist Kohli serves up an innovative guide to mental health…providing a foundation for thoughtful reflection questions, exercises, and tips on such topics as ‘cultural imposter syndrome,’ for those seeking self-help beyond “eurocentric and colonial” models of care.” —Publisher’s Weekly Gift Guide

“As a therapist and journalist, [Kohli] has explored the struggles of children of immigrants searching for what’s normal and where they can fit in…It’s the book she longed for in her youth; hopefully, it will be a guide for others facing similar challenges.” —Booklist

“This wonderful book is a compass, a blueprint, a mirror, and a friend. Kohli gives language to what many of us feel but can’t yet articulate. At times it was as if I were reading my own story, now equipped with the tools to understand and thrive in this confusing world.” —Erika L. Sánchez, New York Times bestselling author of I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

“For those of us who straddle cultures and countries, it can often feel like we don’t really know who we are, where we belong, and what feels truly authentic to us. Sahaj Kaur Kohli understands this intimately and gives us language to understand our experiences, and tools to help us bridge our personal need for individuation with our cultural needs for community. For children of immigrants looking to do the intergenerational work of healing, decolonization, and collective liberation, this book is a must read.” —Layla F. Saad, New York Times bestselling author of Me and White Supremacy

“For anyone who has had to straddle the gap created by immigration, and the complex intersection between duty, obligation, loyalty, independence, anxiety, and the drive to make our parents’ sacrifices ‘worth it all,’ Sahaj Kaur Kohli’s beautiful book takes a loving, culturally informed, and holistic view. She compassionately shares her own story, and guides readers through the nuances and pain of assimilation, individuation, and mental health. How I wish I had this book back when I was trying to figure it all out for myself!” —Ramani Durvasula, PhD, author of It’s Not You

“In her beautiful debut, Sahaj Kaur Kohli draws on her life-giving work as a therapist to challenge the stories we’ve been told to believe to win acceptance. With radical honesty and empathy, Sahaj breaks the traditional self-care model for community care, returning us to true belonging rooted in love.” —Valarie Kaur, bestselling author of See No Stranger

“But What Will People Say? is like a strong root finding sunshine, weaving with other roots, pushing out and up. . . . That is what Brown Girl Therapy and this book do: weave stories and therapy into a beautiful, colorful garden of community. It bridges gaps where Western mental health drops the ball. It is accessible, truthful, and healing—what we need to decolonize our therapies and address our people’s historical trauma.” —Dr. Jennifer Mullan, author of Decolonizing Therapy

“Sahaj writes with great insight, clarity, and an uncommon grace and warmth. There is a reason her work has struck a nerve, and this book approaches with nuance (and love) the complex and multidimensional challenges and blessings, heartaches and joys that we go through as we grow into ourselves. I wish I’d had it sooner, and you will too.” —Farnoosh Torabi, author of A Healthy State of Panic

“Universal yet wholly specific to each person’s individual struggles, Sahaj writes with compassion and expert authority, guiding us along a path to honor where we come from, our communities, and ourselves. A heartfelt, thought-provoking, and deeply tender book that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. A must read.” —Sarafina Nance, author of Starstruck