The Response Summer 2021 - 17

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the
trauma
Substance Abuse
experienced by Hispanic/Latinx families and is especially
challenging to youth. Strong connections with extended family
members have always been a strength with family members
who thrive on social interaction. The pandemic has resulted in
forced isolation from this socialization. Immigrant children are
most notably impacted, losing many of the social skills needed
to adapt to a new environment. Due to parental language
barriers, these children may not have had the family support to
adjust to virtual learning and therefore, are further challenged,
adding to previous trauma.
Spanish-speaking children, when
returning to school, may need to relearn English and re-adjust
to the structure of in-person interaction.
The response to trauma experienced by Hispanic/Latinx must
respect the cultural differences and adapt approaches to the
individual's country of origin. Cultural humility, as defined
by the American Psychological Association, is the " ability to
maintain an interpersonal stance that is other-oriented (or
open to the other) in relation to aspects of cultural identity that
are most important to the person. "
The practice of cultural
humility is essential when responding to trauma found in the
Hispanic/Latinx community. Guilt and shame of traumatic
events may be a barrier to seeking help especially when the
trauma involves sexual abuse or domestic violence.
Clear communication is key to providing help; it is essential
that support is being provided in the language and dialect of
the person receiving assistance. A person-centered approach,
utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, has been found to be
most successful in treating trauma. The therapist must modify
his/her approaches to the culture of the country of origin.
Trauma-informed care is a mind-set that requires specialized
training for the therapist. The individual seeking help may feel
worthless and may be experiencing overwhelming shame. The
therapist must be careful not to re-traumatize the individual.
The individual may be stuck at the point of time when the
trauma occurred.
A poignant example is a brilliant woman who had notable
accomplishments in her home country. However, the trauma
of immigration literally " froze her emotions " and impeded
her ability to adjust to her new home. Recognizing that there
may be more trauma than the individual may be reporting, the
therapist can open communication and gently encourage the
individual by saying " tell me more to help me understand. "
Through welcoming and accepting interaction, the trust
needed to heal the wounds of trauma can be built. The journey
of recovery from trauma is not simple. The words of author
S. Kelley Harrell speak to the value of this connectedness:
" We don't heal in isolation but in community. "
NO INSURANCE?
WE CAN HELP!
WALK-IN ASSESSMENTS & TREATMENT
REFERRALS, 8 AM-4 PM DAILY.
COMMERCIAL INSURANCES NOT ACCEPTED
610-375-4426
19 N 6TH ST, STE 300, READING, PA
HOURS: 8 AM-4 PM * M-F
Drug & Alcohol Assessments * Treatment Referrals * Peer-to-Peer Recovery Support
for all Publicly Funded Berks County Residents
VISIT WWW.BERKSTASC.ORG FOR DETAILS
17
CARON.ORG/EA-RESOURCE-KIT
800-678-2332
Impacts The Entire Family
You Are Not Alone
Free Information and Resources to Address Substance Use
- From Prevention to Recovery -
Are Available for the Community Through
Caron's Education Alliance Resource Kit
http://www.CARON.ORG/EA-RESOURCE-KIT http://WWW.BERKSTASC.ORG
The Response Summer 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Response Summer 2021
