A Pew Research study has found that 39% of couples in the US that got married after 2010 had partners of different faiths. This number has shot up from before the 1960s when only 19% of marriages consisted of interfaith couples. As times change individuals are becoming more progressive in their thinking, and are open to having romantic relationships with those who come from different cultural backgrounds.
While the idea of people embracing each others’ differences is commendable, it also adds another layer of complexity to the relationship. Not everyone realizes the influence culture has on our daily lives. In a relationship, our culture has an imprint on our communication style, on the personal boundaries we set, gender roles we play, parenting styles, elderly care, and style of worship. It’s these differences that get in the way of couples who want to be in intercultural relationships.
Palo Alto-based psychotherapist and couples counselor, Azizeh Rezaiyan, offers cross-cultural couples therapy that can give individuals the tools they need to overcome differences and thrive with their partners. Rezaiyan founded Silicon Valley Marriage Counseling that focuses on treating both couples and individuals struggling with emotional issues.
“Marriage is never easy, but cross-cultural marriages are significantly harder especially when both partners insist on holding onto their cultural identities. After gaining extensive knowledge in the field of cross-cultural counseling, I’ve learned that a n individual’s commitment to their partner and mutual respect for where each of them is coming from is integral for the relationship. Once you have those things in place, the rest becomes easier,” says Rezaiyan.
In her cross-cultural couple’s counseling sessions, Rezaiyan promotes open communication between the pair. Each partner is given the space to speak openly without being judged by the other; this provides clarity on how each individual about certain issues. She encourages partners to learn about the other’s culture and gain an understanding of their values and expectations.
“It’s not unusual for cross-cultural couples to disagree on certain things, but they need to be able to compromise and come up with a solution that everyone is content with—this is where couples counseling is most useful,” claims Rezaiyan.
Apart from cross-cultural marriage counseling, Rezaiyan’s counseling center also offers male depression therapy, anxiety therapy, couples therapy, premarital counseling, and other related services.

About Silicon Valley Marriage Counseling
Based in Palo Alto, the center is headed by Azizeh Rezaiyan who has been working as a therapist for more than two decades and mainly deals with marriage and family therapy.

Contact Information
Website: https://siliconvalleymarriagecounseling.com
Mailing Address: 825 San Antonio Road, Suite 206, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone Number: (650) 206-9973
Email: [email protected]