The Psychohistorical Approach in Family Counseling With Mestizo/Latino Immigrants: A Continuum and Synergy of Worldviews

Abstract

In April 2005, the International Association for Marriage and Family Counseling’s yearly Distinguished Speakers series at the American Counseling Association Conference featured a presentation on family counseling with Mestizo/Latino immigrants. A panel composed of Latino counseling professionals representing varied Mestizo backgrounds discussed their personal and professional experiences surrounding the Mestizo/Latino diaspora. This article discusses population definitions, contextual variables, and demographics regarding Mestizos/Latinos, along with life transition issues and ethnic-heritage themes. A psychohistorical approach to family counseling is presented, and illustrative vignettes, including personal anecdotes by the conference presenters/authors, are provided. Recommendations for practice are offered.

Decoding the Ethnic Labels Used by Undergraduates of Latin American Descent

“…The findings from the descriptive discriminate function analysis indicate that the differences between the ethnic labels were primarily a result of differing rates of ethnic identity and acculturation. As such, it appears that ethnic identity and acculturation are influential constructs in how undergraduates of Latin American descent view themselves, which is consistent with the theories of Arredondo et al () and Hipolito‐Delgado and Diaz (). For example, those who identified as Chicana/o reported the highest levels of ethnic identity and the lowest levels of acculturation.…”

“…Humanistic counselors recognize how cultural values and sociopolitical circumstances affect their clients’ meaning making, mental health, and well‐being (Brady‐Amoon, ; D'Andrea & Daniels, ; Scholl, McGowan, & Hansen, ). In working with Latina/o clients, Arredondo et al () called for counselors to consider the ethnic identity, acculturation, and proficiency in Spanish and English of their clients. Furthermore, Neimann () stated that, when working with Latinos, counselors would do well to consider internalized racism and perceived racism, because these variables influence the client's sense of self and the helping process.…”

Gender Bias in Guatemalan Counselor Education Students: Using an Experiential Activity as a Stimulus

“…It is possible that this expectation of responsibility is related to the concept of marianismo. This concept advocates feminine responsibility for relational issues through presuming women to be other-centered, self-sacrificing, and spiritually and emotionally stronger than males (Arredondo et al, 2006). This phenomenon of female responsibility has to various degrees also been recognized as a likely feminine cultural trait in general (Gilligan, 1982;Stabb, Cox, & Harber 1997), with Stabb et al deeming this phenomenon the responsibility ethic.…”

“…A woman is expected to reflect the traits of the Virgin Mary; pure, longsuffering, pious and nurturing. She must be virtuous, humble and spiritually stronger than a man (Arredondo et al, 2006).…”

Family Involvement at the Secondary Level

“…Third, while el respecto has been documented as an important Latino cultural value (Arredondo et al, 2006), it has not been directly linked to social class in the parental involvement literature. The findings in this study suggest schools that successfully engage parents in their children's educational process, also link respecto with involvement.…”