Insights from Latine Therapists: Setting Goals, Intentions, and Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Welcome to the first part of the “Insights from Latine Therapists” collaborative series. I’m excited to team up with two esteemed colleagues and friends, Stefanie Flores, LPC, LCADC and Sandy Morales, AMFT, both seasoned experts in trauma-informed therapy. Together, we’ll delve into important topics and challenges within the Latine community.
Stefanie and Sandy bring a wealth of experience in addressing issues ranging from substance abuse and domestic violence to navigating cultural nuances. Our collective aim is to shed light on common threads and experiences shared by Latine clients, including the importance of culturally sensitive therapy, the impact of generational trauma, and cultivating healthy relationships.
In this initial blog post, we explore the significance of setting intentions at the dawn of a new year, particularly following a potentially challenging holiday season. Additionally, we offer guidance on navigating the quest for a culturally attuned therapist, and provide specific questions you may consider asking a therapist during your introductory (a.k.a. consultation) call with them.
Embracing the New Year: Setting Goals and Intentions
I had the opportunity to link up with Sandy Morales, AMFT, who practices in Southern California. We chatted about the challenges that individuals often face during the holiday season, including the realization that seeking therapy, a thought perhaps postponed for too long, needs to become a priority. In this chat, I sought Sandy’s perspective on recurring patterns she observes during this time of year, as well as insight into how folks could consider navigating goal-setting. Alright, let’s get into it.
Happy new year, Sandy! I appreciate you joining me. I wanted to start off by asking you to share some of your observations about the holiday season. What do you notice?
Spending time with family during the holiday season can be challenging! From dealing with traditions that no longer resonate to breaking free from gender roles, and facing a critical mother or a stubborn father, or even the absence of parents can make the season difficult.
Aunts expressing concerns about weight, marriage, or children, coupled with societal pressure to buy gifts for everyone, adds to the stress. And discussing politics with family? That's a whole other level. It doesn't sound like a happy scenario. For some people, it’s filled with anxiety, resentment, and an overall unpleasant experience.
Many times, the holidays can fuel our insecurities leading to an internal dialogue filled with questions like, “Do I want to continue these traditions? Which parts feel good and which parts don’t feel good? Will I ever please my mother? When will my father understand? Maybe I am gaining some weight… I can use my credit card to buy gifts for everyone… Maybe this is the year for therapy… I'm not crazy, but my family will think I am though.”
Then as the new year approaches, the list and pressure of new year resolutions and goals comes into play. But what are these resolutions, goals and intentions really about? Are they for personal growth, to please others, or to conform to societal expectations? And how can we be realistic?
Right. Any goal-setting requires understanding of the core need. What need are you trying to meet? And it’s important to also assess its significance to you. Say more about goal-setting and intentions. What can that look like?
Goals look to the future while intentions center on the present. Setting intentions allows you to focus on who and how you want to be right now, while slowly moving towards your goals. Some examples of setting healthy intentions are: practicing self-kindness, not taking things personally, or prioritizing physical and mental health. It’s important to be specific to highlight the steps you plan to take. For example, rather than saying, “I will lose ten pounds by summer,” you can reframe it as, “I intend to live a healthy life that includes nutritious meals and regular exercise.” This shift is more specific about changes and steps you are committed to taking. So, using another example, if the aim is to improve your mental health and find a therapist, then your intention could be, “I intend to improve my mental health with the help of a therapist.” Creating your intention will guide your actions. These intentions lead us to mindful decisions that are in alignment with who we are, not who our families or society wants us to be. It can be scary to do something we haven’t done, yet alone do something that is so stigmatized.
Remember that intentions guide your actions, and so if you intend to improve your mental health with the help of a therapist, your intentions will guide you to begin your search, make the call, and most importantly, attend your first session. There is no rush, go at your own pace. And when you’re ready, your therapist will meet you exactly where you are ready to begin.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy: Finding the Right Therapist
So, if you’ve resonated with this so far, and you found the holidays challenging, you’re not alone. Many people start noticing a shift in their emotions during this time, prompting them to consider reaching out to therapists. When I speak with potential Latine clients, their top priority is often finding a therapist who understands their cultural background. They emphasize the importance of being understood without the need for extensive explanations about their culture or identity.
By now, you might be wondering what questions to ask during an introductory call. But before we delve into those specifics, let’s unpack what cultural sensitivity means. I had the privilege of chatting it up with Stefanie Flores, LPC, LCADC from Stefanie Flores Therapy in Nevada, who shared her valuable insights on this topic.
What’s up, Stef? Thanks for being here! I’d like to get your thoughts on cultural sensitivity. Can you share with us what this means?
Cultural sensitivity is about recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences that shape individuals’ lives. A person's experiences in life have many layers. Their experiences are affected by where they grew up, the cultural background of their parents or caregivers, how their family dealt with challenges, and how they were treated based on their gender, skin color, socio-economic status, religion and intelligence, to name a few. People who are seeking therapy have the right to ask these questions to their new therapist. Therapists are also allowed to have their own boundaries and ethically, should be honest if they feel they're not a good fit for their client.
Absolutely, we’re all so different and unique. So many things shape us. Say more about why you think it’s important to consider a culturally sensitive therapist.
Culturally sensitive therapists have a wider outlook and understanding of what shapes a person's experience. They're going to have a broader range of understanding and can provide more diverse solutions. For example, it's similar to a person who sees a medical doctor for a headache. They typically don't want to hear a doctor tell them to take Motrin and to have a nice day. Most people would like a medical doctor to explore further, find other root causes for their physical symptoms. This is what a culturally sensitive therapist will do. They should be able to explore, listen deeper and provide more realistic solutions and recommendations for your treatment.
11 Questions to Consider Asking a Therapist During Your Introductory Call
Now that we’ve delved into the significance of cultural sensitivity, let’s explore some questions to consider asking during an introductory call with a therapist. Asking questions not only empowers us, but also helps gauge the therapist’s cultural awareness and sensitivity, ensuring they respect your unique cultural background and needs. Here are some examples to consider:
Do you work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds?
Are you open to learning about my cultural background and how it may influence my experiences and perspectives?
How do you incorporate cultural competence in your therapy practice?
Why is cultural sensitivity important to you?
How do you approach communication with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds? And, are you open to feedback about how cultural factors may impact our communication in therapy?
How do you incorporate inclusivity and respect into your practice?
What steps do you take to avoid making assumptions based on cultural stereotypes?
Are you familiar with and sensitive to the unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities?
Have you received specific training in cultural competence?
Do you engage in ongoing education or training to enhance your cultural sensitivity?
How do you handle discussions about cultural differences within the therapeutic relationship?
Empowering Your Therapy Journey
By asking these types of questions, you can gauge the therapist’s commitment to cultural sensitivity. Studies show that the effectiveness of therapy often depends on the quality of the relationship between you and your therapist, so asking these questions can help you better assess if the therapist fits your needs.
I am glad to hear when potential clients express a desire to feel safe and comfortable with their therapist. This makes sense. I like to thank potential clients for asking questions and expressing their needs, as I prefer them to feel well-informed and empowered to make decisions that feel good to them. I also like to continuously encourage my current clients for feedback throughout our time together, recognizing that circumstances and needs may evolve, and I want to be able to respond appropriately.
All that to say, don’t be shy in asking questions when you’re on a call with a therapist! This is your process, and an ethical and culturally sensitive therapist will appreciate your need for clarity. A therapist who values open communication will encourage your questions and encourage you to find the right fit, even if it means it's not them. Remember, this is a collaborative journey, and your comfort is crucial to a successful therapeutic relationship and experience.
Thank you for reading! Before you go, check out Sandy’s insightful reels on her Instagram page here. If you’re in Nevada and seeking a therapist, Stefanie is currently accepting clients, and you can contact her here. For those in California, Colorado, or Texas interested in scheduling an introductory call with me, don’t hesitate to reach out. Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll delve into the topic of trauma with a specific focus on generational trauma.
Please feel free to drop a comment or ask questions in the comments section. My colleagues and I are happy to provide further clarity or information.
