Group therapy with Spanish-speaking clinic patients to enhance ego functioning

Abstract

On the assumption that Spanish-speaking, culturally deprived female patients can profit from group psychotherapy, the author shares her experiences and findings with this population. After examining the differences between the Spanish-speaking psychiatric clinic patients in a large urban medical center and the traditional, verbal, motivated patient, the author suggests modification of treatment techniques in group therapy. She proposes various aproaches that take into account the disparate cultural orientation and value system of this group in order to meet their needs and provide a more effective treatment outcome.