Re: Desi Shrinks
Desi counsellor would prob be better as they can understand the cultural issues better than anyone else. However their prejudices and stereotypes could get in the way. Mind you the same could be said about counsellor from other communities, they too have stereotypes about the asian community.
And it may turn out that you know the desi counsellor through a friend of a friend of a friend and you're worried that word might get out about your problems.
If you're having such problems that warrant thoughts of visiting a counsellor, then go and see one. Yes, it may be embarrassing to bare all to a desi, but who will understand your problems better than someone who actually knows what goes on in your community? E.g. Try telling a gora that you're marriage is a mess because of some typical asian situation - they won't be able to appreciate the severity of something that seems so menial to them but is considered a big thing in our community.