Calidad de Vida: An Exploratory Investigation of Latino Breast Cancer Survivors and Intimate Partners

Advances in addressing psychosocial issues related to cancer treatment and prevention are not reaching all survivors equally. Latina breast cancer survivors and intimate partners are underrepresented in psychosocial interventions, and there is a scarcity of research on the influence of cancer on Latino couples’ quality of life. The purpose of this manuscript is to present findings from a trans-linguistic, dyadic qualitative research study aimed at exploring the influence of cancer on quality of life for Latina breast cancer survivors and their intimate partners. Results highlight several areas that are helpful and hindering to supporting survivorship

International Immersion in Counselor Education: A Consensual Qualitative Research Investigation

This study used consensual qualitative research methodology to examine the phenomenon of international immersion on counselor education students\u27 (N = 10) development and growth. Seven domains emerged from the data (cultural knowledge, empathy, personal and professional impact, process/reflection, relationships, personal characteristics, and structure). Implications for multicultural education and future research are discussed

A Narrative Approach To Supporting Clients Living With Hiv

The number of individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to grow, increasing the responsibility of mental health counselors to effectively intervene and better understand the unique struggles facing survivors of HIV. Narrative therapy, a postmodern approach to counseling, is presented for use with clients living with HIV. Basic tenets of narrative therapy (externalizing the problem, identifying socially constructed messages, focusing on strengths, and reauthoring client stories) and application with HIV-positive clients are discussed, highlighting the influence of narrative therapy on both physical and mental health issues. A case application is provided

Existential Counseling As A Vehicle To Support Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

Latinas in the United States experience high incidences of breast cancer diagnosis (American Cancer Society,). Researchers (e.g., Abraído-Lanza, Chao, & Gammon,; Ashing-Giwa, Padilla, Bohorquez, Tejero, & Garcia,) indicated that Latinas report heightened levels of psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, existential concerns) when compared with other cancer survivors. The purpose of this article is to (a) provide an overview of the mental health concerns of Latina breast cancer survivors and their families, (b) discuss the use of existential counseling to decrease psychological distress, and (c) integrate cultural variables to support cancer recovery from a culturally sensitive perspective. © 2014 by the American Counseling Association. All rights reserved

Critical Factors In Cultural Immersion: A Synthesis Of Relevant Literature

This synthesis of the literature on cross-cultural immersion experiences gives emphasis to the need for effective pedagogy for enhancing multicultural counseling competency, with cultural immersion being a potentially valuable training tool. The authors examine the empirical literature towards identifying both helpful and hindering structural and process factors in immersion experiences. Consideration is given to enhancing training experiences and suggestions for future research are provided. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

Posttraumatic Growth And Hiv: A Study On Associations Of Stigma And Social Support

The present study investigated the influence of HIV-related stigma and social support on posttraumatic growth (PTG) in adults with HIV (N = 126). The study examined if social support moderated the relationship between stigma and PTG. Results from the study revealed that the predictor variables contributed significantly to PTG following an HIV diagnosis; however, no significant interaction effect between the 2 variables was found. Implications for counselors and directions for future research are provided