Dear Brown Girl….We get it!
іHola!
At Austin Therapy for Girls, we are fortunate to have three bilingual therapists. Our lead therapist, Alma Mena, LCSW-S, has a passion for working with Latina clients. Starting last week, September 15th, the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, Alma, has decided to share our own experiences and offer quick tips on how Latinas can enhance their mental health this month. Culture transcends race and skin color, and we encourage everyone reading this to reflect on their own cultural norms—both past and present—and the effects these have had on their mental health. We believe that some of our insights may resonate with a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds. While we share commonalities as Latinas, each person within our cultural group has a unique and individual experience.
From Alma:
As a woman of color and a Latina therapist, I often reflect on my childhood, upbringing, and the significant experiences that have shaped who I am. I take great pride in my Mexican heritage, yet I cannot overlook the challenges that come with it. From an early age, I became aware of the stigma surrounding mental health, colorism, and the cultural and religious judgments associated with shame, sexism, and other unhealthy generational patterns. Nevertheless, our storytelling is rich, and it endures over time. I cherish the knowledge of my ancestors, tracing back to my Mayan roots.
A central Latino cultural value known as Familismo emphasizes dedication, commitment, and loyalty to family. I hold dear the vivid memories of family gatherings filled with tamales, mole, and flan, along with the events, rituals, and celebrations such as Dia De los Muertos, Christmas Eve dinner, and midnight mass—the language, the art. All of this beauty deserves to be welcomed, celebrated, and cherished, and it must be passed down to future generations. This sense of identity strengthens my self-image and worth today. One of my greatest responsibilities as a mother is to ensure that I interrupt the cycle of unhealthy patterns while imparting the richness of our culture, along with our inherent worth and strength.
Here are four tips from Alma about living your best life as Latina.
1. Embrace Who You Are
As Jennifer Lopez says in her song I’m still Jenny from the block :
“I’m still Jenny from the block Used to have a little, now I have a lot
No matter where I go, I know where I came from (from the Bronx)”
Let’s use our cultural gifts in our work and healing. Consider a cultural approach to increasing pleasure and meaning – this could be cooking that family recipe, time with Abuela.
2. Find your tribe
It is a positive experience to find others who can totally and completely get your experiences as a Latina. Being a part of the community and getting involved can help you be more connected with others and yourself. Here in Austin, there is a rich community for young Latinas! There are so many opportunities to connect with individuals from all diverse cultures of the Latinx population. Here are a couple of our favorite organizations: Latinitas, Girls Empowerment Network, Sana Yoga, and Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.
You can also build relationships with Latinas here at ATFG within our groups! Click Here!
3.Don’t apologize for who you are
We can’t emphasize this enough, be brave with yourself. As Latina therapists, we have also struggled with asking for what we need. The courage to ask for what you need especially when it comes to your mental health is not weakness, it is very courageous. Alma loves this book and highly recommends it for 13 and above. 
4.Open Up and Share Your Story
Our ability to grow and transform by sharing our very unique experiences is amazing. Opening up is the key to healing regardless of the messages you received as a child. Finding a safe space to process, gain insight and understanding of self is a valuable step to take towards reaching your goals, whatever those may be. A healing relationship with a therapist that inspires hope will be life changing. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time to find the right one! Ask yourself what is important to me in this therapeutic relationship?
We hope we were able to provide insight and encouragement in this blog. Even though Hispanic Heritage Month ends on October 15th, it does not mean we need to stop bringing awareness to our population. That goes for all cultures and backgrounds! When you find yourself feeling lost and alone in your mental health journey, know that you have an entire community behind you and supporting you along the way.
