Who Am I in a New Country? Navigating Identity Shifts as a Newcomer to Vancouver
Moving to a new country often means more than learning a new language or adapting to a new job. It is a major life changes and for many newcomers to Canada, the experience also brings deep questions about identity. People may ask themselves: Am I the same person I was back home? How much of my culture should I hold on to? How much should I adapt? These questions are normal, but they can feel unsettling. In Vancouver, where cultural diversity is part of daily life, navigating identity shifts is one of the most common challenges newcomers face.
What is an identity shift?
An identity shift happens when your sense of who you are changes because of the new circumstances that you are living. For newcomers to Vancouver, this might include balancing cultural traditions with Canadian norms, redefining your role in your family, or adapting to new expectations in school or at work. Identity shifts are not a sign of weakness but rather are a natural part of adjusting to life in a new environment.
Why identity often feels challenged in a new country
Some of the most common reasons newcomers in Vancouver experience identity shifts include:
Language differences: Feeling limited in self-expression when speaking English, especially when its not your first language.
Cultural expectations: Experiencing new values around independence, gender roles, or social interaction that can differ significantly from what you are used to.
Work and education: Adjusting to different systems of recognition, status, or achievement.
Belonging and community: Feeling caught between the culture you grew up in and Canadian society.
Discrimination or bias: Facing stereotypes that do not reflect who you are or how you feel.
Signs you may be struggling with identity shifts
Feeling like you live in two separate worlds
Comparing yourself constantly to others in your community
Confusion about what values to prioritize
Feeling disconnected from your past self
Questioning where you truly belong
These experiences are common and do not mean something is wrong. They are a normal part of the adjustment process.
What this means for newcomers in Vancouver
Vancouver is known for its multiculturalism, yet newcomers often find that diversity does not erase the inner struggle of belonging. Acculturation can be a difficult process for many people and can have a significant impact on mental health. International students may feel torn between fitting into Canadian academic culture and maintaining family expectations back home. Professionals may question their identity if their qualifications are not recognized in Canada or not held in the same esteem as before. Parents may worry about their children adapting more quickly than they do or may become dependent on their children who adapt more naturally to the new environment. These experiences are widely shared in the city’s immigrant communities, which makes finding support both available and necessary.
How counselling can help with identity questions
Therapy offers a safe space to explore identity without pressure to choose one culture over another and can help you make sense of your place in your new environment. A culturally sensitive therapist can:
Help you explore how past and present experiences shape your changing identity
Support you in balancing cultural values with your new environment
Provide strategies for reducing self-doubt and increasing self-compassion
Encourage you to create a flexible sense of self that honours both old and new identities
Help you learn to better manage the anxiety that is normal when adjusting to a new place
Practical Tips for Navigating Identity Shifts
Stay connected to your culture: Food, language, and traditions can provide strong grounding.
Explore Canadian culture: Try new activities without feeling pressured to abandon your own.
Reflect in writing: Journaling can help clarify how your identity is evolving.
Connect with others: Seek out both cultural communities and cross-cultural friendships.
Give yourself time: Identity shifts are gradual and rarely feel settled right away.
Moving forward
Asking “Who am I in this new country?” is one of the most natural questions a newcomer can face. Identity shifts are not signs of failure. They are evidence of change and growth. By recognising the challenges and seeking support, newcomers in Vancouver and across Canada can create identities that feel both authentic and resilient. Therapy offers a supportive way to explore these questions and find a balance that respects both your roots and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about navigating identify shifts
Is it normal to feel like a different person after moving?
Yes. Moving to a new country often changes how people see themselves, but this is part of growth.
Does adapting to Canadian culture mean losing my own?
No. Many newcomers find a balance where both identities can coexist and enrich each other.
What if I feel like I don’t belong anywhere?
This is a common stage. Over time, most people find they can create a sense of belonging that includes elements from both cultures. Therapy can help speed up that process.
About Chiharu Yanagawa
As a therapist with cultural roots in multiple countries, I understand firsthand the complex feelings that come with moving to a new country. Many newcomers experience shifts in identity as they navigate between past traditions and new cultural expectations. These changes can feel confusing, but they are also a natural and healthy part of growth.
In my practice, I focus on providing culturally sensitive support that helps clients explore who they are in a new environment without feeling pressured to choose one culture over another. I work with newcomers to Canada to honour their roots while building a sense of belonging and confidence in their present life.
If you are experiencing questions about your identity or struggling to feel at home in Canada, know that you do not have to face these challenges alone. With support, it is possible to create a sense of self that is authentic, resilient, and enriched by both your past and your new experiences.