The role of language in therapy with the Spanish-English bilingual client.

The clinical and counseling psychology profession has witnessed a steady increase in research on the development and application of Hispanic/Latino-centered therapeutic approaches; however, little attention has been given to incorporating the dynamics of a client's language background in treatment. The authors discuss the important role of language representation and emotions and the implications for conducting therapy with bilingual clients who speak Spanish and English. The contributions of psychoanalysis and psycholinguistics that have guided the research on language issues in counseling and therapy are presented, and future directions in research, training, and practice are outlined. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Therapists’ views on working with bilingual Spanish–English speaking clients: A qualitative investigation.

Through semistructured interviews, language switching in therapy was examined with 9 bilingual Spanish and English therapists. Therapists were asked about how and when they switched from one language to another during treatment, as well as the ways in which their clients’ switched languages. After the use of consensual qualitative research methods (C. E. Hill et al., 2005; C. E. Hill, B. J. Thompson, & E. N. Williams, 1997), the results revealed that therapists used language switching as a mechanism to establish trust, bond with clients, and promote disclosure through the use of specific phrases or specific words; particularly, the use of Spanish idiomatic expressions (dichos) served to engage, redirect, and increase client self-understanding and awareness. Therapists reported that their clients switched from English to Spanish when recounting experiences that involved certain emotions (e.g., anger) and represented themselves differently depending on the language they were speaking. Therapists also reported that their clients switched from English to Spanish to improve communication and to connect with them. Future directions for research and implications for training and practice are outlined. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cultural and linguistic competence: Welcome challenges from successful diversification.

The increasing numbers of ethnically diverse professionals is filling a need for service provision in agencies that provide mental health services for a diverse clientele. However, the rapid shift in professional demographics provides a sharp generational contrast; these emerging psychologists are placed in potentially ethically charged positions before their careers truly begin as a result of the gap between institutional resources (materials and supervisors) and trainees' specialized needs. The lead article reviews a broad array of points to consider when a supervisee is providing services in the native language of the client and does not know that language. The three invited commentaries highlight (a) the role of language in emotion and subsequent implications for treatment and supervision, (b) the slow institutional development to meet the training needs of emerging therapists that will treat ethnically diverse clients, and (c) the importance of following decision-making models to inform ethical supervisory practice when there is a language mismatch. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Information processing as problem solving: A collaborative approach to dealing with students exhibiting insufficient competence.

Although psychologists involved in the training of graduate students understand the importance of responding effectively to exhibited insufficient clinical competence, the extant literature offers little guidance on how best to make decisions during this process. The authors propose an adaptation of the information processing approach to problem solving applied to guide faculty in addressing student behaviors. Each of the steps will be discussed, along with their implications and our recommendations. A case example is presented to illustrate how that approach can be used by faculty. Finally, the authors discuss broader research and professional implications. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Behavioral activation as an alternative treatment approach for Latinos with depression.

Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychological health problems and a major cause of disability in this country. Very little attention, however, has been given to depression among Latinos. To address this issue, the authors provide a review of the literature on psychosocial factors that contribute to depression within the Latino adult population. In addition, the authors argue that Behavioral Activation (BA), as an alternative treatment approach, may be as effective as, if not more effective than, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy because of BA's focus on environmental conditions and behavior change rather than beliefs and underlying attitudes. More importantly, components of BA can be easily adapted to accommodate specific Latino cultural values. Its application is illustrated in a case example. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Current perspectives on using linguistic and cultural factors in counseling the Hispanic client.

This review of the literature examines the role of language and culture in the mental health treatment of Hispanic clients. Several innovative approaches including the use of dichos and cuento therapy are described that incorporate linguistic and cultural traits in treatment. The article proposes that the assessment of such factors as language proficiency, level of acculturation, and the degree to which cultural expressions represent symptomatology should be considered in the development of an effective treatment plan. The process of acculturation is presented as a critical dimension influencing language, cultural beliefs, and mental health. Recommendations are made for future research on issues relating to the use of language switching and language mixing in therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)