ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews and analyzes clinical material relating to the psychological correlates of the process of migration in Latina women and girls. It suggests implications for the psychotherapeutic process. The chapter presents the clinical evidence and examples. An understanding of the psychological processes involved in adaptation to another culture is essential for the understanding of the psychological implications of migration. Clinical observations of the process of migration shows to have three stages: the initial decision concerning relocation, the actual geographical move into another country, and the adaptation to a new society and way of life. The high incidence of somatic complaints presented by Latinas with a traditional cultural orientation might be an expression of actual frequency of somatization of conflicts that is prevalent in traditional cultures. Language is an important variable in psychodynamic psychotherapy with Latinas. Loss, grief, and mourning are issues of primary importance when working in therapy with immigrants and refugees.
