Clinical Interventions with Immigrant Populations: Pratyusha Tummala-Narra, Ph.D

The issue of immigration in the United States has been at the center of heated political and social debate. As politics and media have taken the foreground in shaping public views on immigration, the unique psychological and social perspectives of different immigrant subgroups have been largely overlooked. This workshop will focus on the unique experiences of migration, acculturation, and psychological adjustment of immigrant individuals and families. The training would include an overview of the logistics of immigration, including the immigration system, laws, and available resources for immigrants. Further, the emotional impact of the migration process and the volatility of immigration status on individuals and families will be emphasized. Various types of acculturative stress, such as language and communication barriers, discrimination, and separation from family and support networks will be discussed. It is particularly important to consider the role of these stressors in the development of psychological distress for first and second generation immigrants, particularly immigrants who are ethnic minorities in the U.S. The presenter will address clinical symptomology, explanations of psychological distress, conceptualization of healing and resilience rooted in immigrant clients’ cultural contexts. Additionally, the ways in which clinical interventions can be modified and conceptualized in considering the unique psychological and social experiences of immigrants will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

1) The audience will identify the complex nature of the immigration system in the United States, and resources available to immigrants.

2) The audience will gain an understanding of the psychological stress and resilience experienced by immigrants across different generations.

3) The audience will recognize ways to develop appropriate, culturally informed interventions when working with immigrant individuals and families.

All Clinical Institute Trainings are held on Wednesdays from 9:00am until 12:00pm at the Plymouth Church, 87 Edgell Rd, Framingham, MA. Doors open at 8:30am. Workshops are $70 each to visiting professionals. Wayside staff, interns and attend free of charge, as do family members of Wayside clients. The facility is fully accessible. Continuing Education Credits: Social workers, LMFTs and LMHCs receive 3 CEUs.