Bilingual, Bicultural Latino(a) Therapists: The Necessity of Adapted Cultural Competence Trainings in Professional Settings
Date of Award
11-9-2009
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Fernand Lubuguin
Second Advisor
Audrey Boggs
Third Advisor
Marcela Bonafina
Keywords
Bilingual therapy, Bicultural therapy, Latino, Latina
Abstract
Generally, outcome studies that examined the effects of ethnic matching between therapists and clients have shown that mental health services provided by bilingual, bicultural Latino(a) therapists (BBLTs) have not consistently resulted in increased positive outcomes for Latino(a) clients when compared to those services provided by non-Latino therapists. In order to propose plausible reasons for this finding, the relationship characteristics and dynamics between BBLTs and their Latino(a) clients are examined. Specifically, the skills, attributes and unique challenges that BBLTs face are explored, as well as how these factors likely affect cultural competence and treatment outcomes. Based on this theoretical analysis, the author proposes adapting the implementation of cultural competence trainings in professional settings in ways that specifically address the distinct characteristics and deficits of BBLTs. By doing so, this paper concludes that the cultural competence of BBLTs will be enhanced, which in tum will increase the effectiveness of services and improve the treatment outcomes for Latino(a) clients.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Fraguela, Miguel, "Bilingual, Bicultural Latino(a) Therapists: The Necessity of Adapted Cultural Competence Trainings in Professional Settings" (2009). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 253.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/253