Routledge Latina Psychologists: Thriving in the Cultural Borderlands

In this book, twelve eminent Latina Psychologists illustrate how they practice gender- and culture-sensitive psychotherapy, counseling, research, pedagogy, social justice, and mentoring. They share how they create their own path in the midst of oppression – by becoming aware of the connection between their lives and their gendered, cultural, social, and political circumstances – and how they liberate themselves and those who seek their psychological services. Based on lived experiences, they reveal how they integrate a borderlands theory, a testimonio method, and an embodiment analysis into a Latina Feminist Psychology. More importantly, these Latina Psychologists offer easy-to-follow advice to help readers thrive while living in the cultural borderlands. Review "Latina Psychologists will serve as inspiration for generations of aspiring Latina students. The depth of disclosure and recognition of the many layered challenges that face Latina aspirants will serve as a map for succeeding. My son, Lin-Manuel Miranda, recognized the complexity of his contrasting environments early on and was code switching at five as he travelled from an immigrant enclave in Upper Manhattan to attend the elite gifted public school on the Upper East Side. He spent summers in Puerto Rico. His recognition of apartness, intersectional conflicts and being dislocated led to a creative process that led to his creative achievements. Similarly, the psychologists who shared the complexities of their professional journeys used their adversities for personal and professional growth and the extraordinary contributions to the community and field." Luz Towns-Miranda, PhD, NYS Psychology board member, Planned Parenthood Action Fund board member "Latina Psychologists is a stirring journey into the pain, poverty, joy, and successful experience of powerful Latina psychologists as they journey ‘between and betwixt’ cultural borders. I sat with this book for hours as I experienced the sorrows and joys of each woman. And in the end, more than anything, I felt joy and triumph. You will, too." Rosie Phillips Davis, PhD, ABPP, President-Elect, American Psychological Association, counseling "Many Latinas in the U.S. feel overwhelmed and confused by constant questioning of our identity. For many of us, our bifurcated, walled up, and bordered selves are constantly fighting against our cultural roots as Latinas. It can be exhausting. In this book, Carmen and Lillian help us to understand the power we have within ourselves to navigate this internal struggle. They allow us to see that this conflict is not just in our minds and that there exists a transformative pedagogy through which we may find liberation." Maria Hinojosa, journalist, host of NPR's Latino USA, and president of Futuro Media Group "Latina Psychologists examines how their lives connect with their scholarship and practice. A colleague once derisively called this connection ‘me-search.’ But, this book clearly shows how this connection gives their work strength, resonance, and vibrancy. It is a must read, not only for Latinas or others from ‘minoritized’ backgrounds, but also for those who have not had to confront how their history and identity affects their scholarship and practice." Ana Mari Cauce, Professor of Psychology and American Ethnic Studies, President, University of Washington "Women’s voices about their lived experiences are seldom documented. But, when they are, as in this book, they serve as a rich source of knowledge and have unique perspectives to bring us. This anthology is a special and important resource that brings new insights for those who want to be inclusive of all aspects of psychology and its ramifications." Bonnie R. Strickland, PhD, ABPP, Former President of the American Psychological Association About the Author Lillian Comas-Díaz, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Washington, DC, and a clinical professor at the Georg