Working with Latinx Populations: Applying Culture to Promote Change

ABSTRACT

The current political climate and larger systemic context have impacted crimes and discrimination against Latinxs in the United States. Stigmatizing rhetoric and policies not only impact those who they are targeting but can also have an impact on biases held by clinicians. To counteract these sociopolitical effects, we highlight the strengths of various Latinx cultural values of faith and religion, familismo, machismo, cabellerismo, and independence. We provide therapists with ways to apply cultural values theory and a strength-based approach with Latinx clients. As therapists focus on the strengths cultural values bring and utilize the values and beliefs of Latinx families, they can provide more sensitive care.

KEYWORDS:

• Therapy
• Latinx
• culture
• mental health
• strength