Feminist Therapy With Latina Women: Personal and Social Voices

Feminist Therapy with Latina Women highlights the principles of feminist and multicultural counselling and therapy with Latinas and Latin American women, providing both theoretical approaches and applied frameworks. The authors are all experienced therapists and researchers with a deep understanding of the issues relevant to this particular population. In presenting their expertise, they discuss individual concerns and social context, applying it concretely to the personal and collective lives of Latina women. Chapters focus on the intersecting principles of feminism and multiculturalism, providing a much needed contribution to the field, with topics including domestic violence, eating disorders and body image, addictive behaviours, sexuality, immigrant and refugee experiences, and balancing the multiple roles of work and family.

This book was originally published as a special issue of Women & Therapy.

Debra M. Kawahara is Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, USA. She also maintains a private practice in San Diego, California, USA. Her research interests include feminist and multicultural psychology, Asian American mental health, women’s issues, and culturally competent services and supervision. Previous publications include NCSPP Leadership Toolkit (2009).

Oliva M. Espín is Professor Emerita of Women’s Studies at San Diego State University, USA and of Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, USA. She was a pioneer in the practice and theory of feminist therapy with women from different cultural backgrounds, particularly US-born Latinas and immigrant/refugee women. Previous publications include Sin or Salvation: The relationship between sexuality and spirituality in psychotherapy (2009).