Héctor Fernández-Álvarez (1944-2023)

This article memorializes Héctor Fernández-Álvarez (1944-2023). Héctor was an exceptional mentor, therapist, supervisor, professor, researcher, author, and leader, as well as a beloved brother, partner, father, and grandfather. The consummate renaissance person who embraced all manners of cultural expressions through an intentional wanderlust, he sought to understand all forms of human suffering and to alleviate senseless ones. Héctor's career spanned well over 5 decades. He received a licenciatura degree in 1967 from the University of Buenos Aires and a PhD in 1995 from the National University of San Luis, Argentina. Héctor held multiple academic appointments throughout Latin America and Spain. He authored over 100 journal articles or book chapters, and 16 books, including a novel, La Distancia (The Distance), and Fundamentals of an Integrated Model of Psychotherapy, one of the most respected psychotherapy books in Latin America and Spain. In 1977, Héctor challenged the constraints of a military dictatorship by founding Aiglé (the everlasting flame). Aiglé remains a nongovernmental organization that delivers clinical and community services and prepares mental health practitioners informed by an active research program that evaluates training and psychotherapeutic processes and outcomes. Over the years, Héctor advanced Aiglé as a practice-oriented research clinical setting to investigate psychotherapy as it unfolds in clinical practice. He developed an integrative model of care that resulted in Aiglé's cognitive-integrative model. Aiglé has grown to be a hallmark for research-based, leading-edge psychotherapy training in Latin America. Highlights of Héctor's career and professional contributions are noted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

International Students who Became U.S. Counseling Psychology Faculty Members: A Collaborative Autoethnography

International students have a considerable presence in U.S. counseling psychology programs; what happens when they pursue academic counseling psychology positions in U.S. institutions? Seven counseling psychology faculty who started as international students in the United States used collaborative autoethnography to examine this matter. We found that our identification with counseling psychology philosophy and our lifelong, self-reflective process as cultural insiders/outsiders have proven crucial. Likewise, we found that our academic career development has been shaped by extra challenges encountered when dealing with ethnocentric aspects of U.S. psychology and by unique opportunities generated by our multinational professional identities and multilingual abilities. Three themes recurred across our reflections: Overcoming Linguistic Differences, Learning to Thrive Across Cultures, and Mentoring as a Valued Experience. We offer advice for international counseling students considering careers in U.S. academia and discuss the implications of our findings for research, training, and advocacy.

"Todo Se Hace de Corazón:" An Examination of Role and Identity Among Latina Promotoras de Salud

Promotoras de salud are community health workers that mostly help the underserved members of Latinx communities. They seek to reduce health disparities through community engagement and work that is voluntary or mostly unpaid. While there is evidence that promotoras aid in prevention, follow-up care, and treatment adherence, little is known about promotoras themselves, specifically, the impact that fulfilling their roles has on their views of themselves and their service identities. Fourteen Spanish-speaking, Latina promotoras were interviewed individually about their experiences and their motivation for the role. Four themes emerged from the content analysis of the participant responses: "Uno Nace Siendo Promotora:" One is Born Being a Promotora, "Poner Esa Semillita:" To Plant a Seed by Sharing Knowledge, "Es un Regalo Ser Promotora:" It is a Gift to be a Promotora, and "Se Hace por Amor pero también Hay Necesidad:" A Labor of Love but there are Needs too. The findings show that assuming and enacting the promotora role had positive benefits, both personal and professional, despite the often-limited recognition they received. The findings have multiple implications for the development of health and prevention programs, particularly for those that involve promotoras de salud.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only had health, economic, and political impacts, but also significant psychosocial and mental health consequences worldwide. In this article, different documentation and studies on mental health were analyzed, with the aim of identifying the various problems detected during the pandemic. Methodologically, a narrative and integrative review of the scientific literature was carried out. In Latin America, the most recent studies have documented and made patent effects on the various vulnerized populations such as migrants, women, children, the elderly, people living with significant disabilities, people experiencing marked housing and food insecurity, and temporary workers laboring in what has been referred to as the informal economy. In light of this, it is proposed that addressing these issues should involve the coordination of transnational policies and the definition of an agenda of critical priorities to focus and address. For this to come about, it is important that the empirical evidence generated by regional epidemiological studies contribute to the design of public policies on mental health of the Latin American population, so that they reduce the negative effects as well as prevent the future consequences of a pandemic that is not yet over.

Alternate Cultural Paradigms in Latinx Psychology: An Empirical, Collaborative Exploration

In an effort to systematize and organize an exploration of alternate cultural paradigms from a Latinx perspective, the membership of the National Latinx Psychological Association was surveyed via its electronic mailing list in successive rounds. The first invitation asked members to identify alternate cultural paradigms they use in their work or are familiar with; a definition of alternate cultural paradigms and some examples were provided. Responses were summarized and redistributed to the entire list, seeking further input. This process was followed a total of four times. The range of contributions extended from journal articles, to books, to authors, individuals, and movements. The compiled responses were then analyzed using qualitative methodology in the form of thematic analysis. The resulting taxonomy addresses the promotion of health and wellness in Latinx communities through the use of alternate cultural paradigms, and culturally adapted treatments and interventions. The former is made of examples and sources that emphasize combatting oppression and inequities as well as the use of cultural traditions, norms, and specific values. Though not identified as exemplary of alternate cultural paradigms, the latter refers to evidence-based or widely used treatments that have been modified (i.e., adapted) in an effort to improve service efficacy with Latinxs.

Alternate Cultural Paradigms in Psychology: Long Overdue Recognition and Further Articulations

Many ethnic-acknowledging psychology researchers, practitioners, and their allies have expressed dissatisfaction with Eurowestern, mainstream psychology in the United States as it shows serious shortcomings when used to understand and serve minoritized communities. Eurowestern psychology has been criticized for its imperialistic, one-size-fits-all view of humanity. Accordingly, we challenge the neglect of the history and value of ethnic acknowledgment in psychology perpetrated and maintained by Eurowestern psychology, including mainstream psychology in the United States. We operationalize such challenge by articulating the construct of alternate cultural paradigms, by following it with a series of contributions authored by leading figures from each of the Ethnic Acknowledging Psychological Associations (EAPAs) in the United States, and by closing with a commentary by a renowned scholar in the field. The current article, followed by five separate and distinct articles from authors identified with each of the EAPAs (i.e., the Association of Black Psychologists [ABPsi], the National Latinx Psychological Association [NLPA], the Society of Indian Psychologists [SIP], the Asian American Psychological Association [AAPA], the Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African Psychological Association [AMENA-Psy]), together with a concluding commentary conforms the Special Issue on alternate cultural paradigms in psychology in the United States.

Publication Trends in Psychotherapy: Bibliometric Analysis of the Past 5 Decades

OBJECTIVE

Bibliometric analyses are commonly used to document publication trends over time; however, this methodology has not been used to investigate possible trends concerning publishing about psychotherapy brands. In this study, the authors sought to identify the publication trends of peer-reviewed articles about 30 psychotherapy brands.

METHODS

Analyses were focused on the past 50 years and on each decade from 1970 to 2019. All searches were performed between October 2018 and January 2019 on the EbscoHost platform. Two databases were selected for the searches: PsycINFO and PubMed.

RESULTS

In the 28,594 articles reviewed, most published articles concerned cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and five brands accounted for almost 78% of all publications: CBT, psychoanalysis, family systems therapy, behavioral therapy, and cognitive therapy. Three trends were identified across decades: five therapies consistently yielded the largest number of publications, the number of publications focused on therapies with less research support declined from the 1970s to the 1990s, and publications about therapies with more of a research basis increased in the 1990s through the 2010s. Publications on meditation and mindfulness presented the most salient growth area for all psychotherapies across the 5 decades. A few psychotherapy brands have dominated the publishing realm during the past 50 years and across each decade.

CONCLUSIONS

Possible explanations for these publication trends were considered, including the emergence of the evidence-based therapy movement and various sociohistorical changes. Potential psychotherapy publications trends in the future are discussed.

Understanding the impact of an after-school music program with engaged underserved youth

AIMS

This study aims to document and understand the benefits of underserved youths' successful involvement in an after-school music program (ASMP).

METHODS

The contents of semi-structured, individual interviews with 11 alumni and five staff members of an ASMP were coded and analyzed using inductive Thematic Analysis.

RESULTS

Alumni identified several positive program characteristics as most influential (e.g., consistency, opportunity, exposure), and described the program's favorable impact at a personal (e.g., identity development), relational (e.g., improving social skills), and musical level (e.g., acquiring performance skills). Staff members identified similar program characteristics as crucial for the success of the program and singled out their personal, relational, and social motivations as important dimensions that bring about the program's impact.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the value of musical experiences and after-school resources for a group of underserved youth who would otherwise not be exposed to them due to socioeconomic barriers and inequities in opportunities.

Liderazgo: Culturally Grounded Leadership and the National Latina/o Psychological Association

This article, collaboratively written by the presidents of the National Latina/o Psychological Association (NLPA), presents leadership as conceptualized and practiced in NLPA. We first identify key leadership constructs in the available literature as well as relevant cultural values, describe liderazgo (leadership) through cultural lenses, and articulate the connections to counseling psychology and the social justice underpinnings that have guided NLPA’s formation and development. We then present a number of events and decisions to illustrate how we have operationalized these organizing principles in both the daily management and long-term goals of NLPA. We conclude with a discussion of the future paths and possible directions in the next decade for the organization.

Integration in psychotherapy: Reasons and challenges

Although integration has been formally influencing the field of psychotherapy since the 1930s, its impact gained significant momentum during the 1980s. Practical, theoretical, and scientific reasons help to explain the growing influence of integration in psychotherapy. The field of psychotherapy is characterized by many challenges which integration may change into meaningful opportunities. Nonetheless, many obstacles remain when seeking to advance integration. To appreciate the strength of integration in psychotherapy we describe an integrative, comprehensive approach to service delivery, research, and training. We then discuss the role of integration in the future of psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record

A randomized controlled trial of ecological momentary intervention plus brief group therapy for generalized anxiety disorder

Momentary intervention has been proposed as a cost-effective, generalizable, and ecologically valid method to increase the efficiency of face-to-face cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of the current pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of a six-session palmtop computer-assisted Group CBT for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (CAGT6) in comparison with a six-session Group CBT for GAD without the computer (CBGT6) and typical (12 session) Group CBT for GAD (CBGT12) in a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-four individuals with a primary diagnosis of GAD were randomized to one of the three conditions and completed measures of GAD and anxiety before therapy, after therapy, and at 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Results indicated that CAGT6 was superior to CBGT6 at posttreatment, but not significantly different from CBGT12. At 6- and 12-month follow-ups, CAGT6 was neither significantly different from CBGT6, nor from CBGT12. Percentages of individuals achieving reliable change on two of the three GAD measures favored CAGT6 over CBGT6 at posttreatment, suggesting promise for the added value of the mobile technology.

Review of Dialogues on difference: Studies of diversity in the therapeutic relationship

Reviews the book, Dialogues on difference: Studies of diversity in the therapeutic relationship edited by J. Christopher Muran (see record 2006-11731-000). Muran, the editor and one of the authors of the book being reviewed here, has contributed an excellent tome. The book fastens a time when speaking of psychotherapy and cultural competence will be unnecessary because of its redundancy. Furthermore, Muran has made use of a powerful, extremely relevant yet equally demanding structure to bring this book about: actual, consecutive dialogues between the chapter author(s), the respective two commentators, and the author(s) once again in a rejoinder. The dialogue format requires a significant commitment to the project over time and a systematic follow through for the dialogues to come to fruition. The final product is highly recommended reading for psychotherapy practitioners at all stages of professional development, for psychotherapy researchers seeking important lines of research on psychotherapy process, and for instructors wanting potent illustrations by courageous therapists willing to expose their internal processes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).

A palmtop computer program for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

This is the first report of a palmtop computer program developed to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The computer program offers advantages to researchers, therapists, and clients. These advantages include continuous, unobtrusive collection of process data on treatment adherence as well as on the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in the client's natural setting. In addition, the computer extends treatment beyond the therapy hour and motivates clients to comply with homework assignments by prompting practice of cognitive behavioral strategies. The successful application of the palmtop computer program reported in this integrated series suggests a new line of research directed toward increasing the cost-effectiveness of what is currently the gold-standard treatment for GAD.