An Application of Transnational Feminist Practice with Latinas across Different Life Cycles

Abstract

This article offers a perspective and an application of transnational feminist therapy with Latinas that affirm the value of testimonio as a theoretical framework. Political, social, and interpersonal levels are addressed and linked to clear roots in oral tradition and resistance movements. The goal is to share a clinical approach that applies the tenets of transnational feminism that differ from the definition of “global sisterhood” and recognizes the effects of interactive connections that apply to different levels of identity, adaptation, and wellbeing of Latinas living in the United States. Clinical vignettes shared by many Latinas living in the United States and at different points in their life cycles illustrate the relevance and negative effects caused by the intersectional components of gender, class, ethnicity, race, nation, age, and language that can lead to feelings of shame connected to societal rejections on the basis of being “the other.” An application of theory in the flesh illustrates the need to move from talking in a disembodied manner to an embodied conversation during the therapy process.

Keywords:

• Intersectionality
• Latina feminist psychology
• Latinas
• lifespan development
• testimonio

Disclosure statement

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.