Joining me today is Mirella Stoyanova, a Seattle-based writer, therapist and international adoptee from Bulgaria of Bulgarian and Iraqi origin. She discusses her experience growing up in a less-than-diverse environment and how she’s worked to reclaim her identity.

You’ll hear:

• How much changed when Mirella came to America
• Cultural complexities and identity
• The pressure to conform to as many conventions as possible
• Promoting cultural awareness for adoptees
• And more!

Guest Info:

Mirella Stoyanova is a writer, speaker, and therapist. Much of her early adulthood was spent healing from trauma. She became a therapist in her late twenties to use what she learned through her own healing in the service of others. She wrote a book after she realized that no amount of self-work could protect her from the inherent vulnerability of life.

Links:

Mirella’s Website: https://www.mirellastoyanova.com/

Mirella’s Therapy Website: https://www.mirellawarren.com/

Business Insider Article: https://www.businessinsider.com/my-family-cant-pronounce-my-name-correctly-2025-2

Mirella’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirellastoyanova/

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