CURRENT PERSPECTIVES ON USING LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL-FACTORS IN COUNSELING THE HISPANIC CLIENT

This review of the literature examines the role of language and culture in the mental health treatment of Hispanic clients. Several innovative approaches including the use of dichos and cuento therapy are described that incorporate linguistic and cultural traits in treatment. The article proposes that the assessment of such factors as language proficiency, level of acculturation, and the degree to which cultural expressions represent symptomatology should be considered in the development of an effective treatment plan. The process of acculturation is presented as a critical dimension influencing language, cultural beliefs, and mental health. Recommendations are made for future research on issues relating to the use of language switching and language mixing in therapy.