(LA) Working with Undocumented Individuals in the Era of Trump

Presenter: Sandra Espinoza, PsyD

Undocumented immigrants living in the United States are victims to a host of risk factors that not only threaten their presence in this country but their individual and family well-being. Recent racist rhetoric around undocumented immigrants has brought large attention towards policy making that impacts the lives of families living under the threat of deportation. These families are placed in vulnerable positions, as they are not only at risk of being separated by the immigration system, but also face racial discrimination on micro and macro levels. This culture of perceived social inequality acts as a stressor for these undocumented families (Cobb et al., 2017). There is a gap in the literature regarding how racial discrimination and perceived social identity impact the mental health of undocumented individuals. This presentation aims to facilitate a new discourse within the field of therapy regarding the role of racism and discrimination as a contributor to the distress in undocumented families. It also aims to provide therapists with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the experiences of undocumented immigrants as well as a set of tools to use when working with this population.

THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE LIVESTREAMED - FREE -- THERE WILL BE NO CEUs FOR LIVESTREAM ATTENDEES - SEE BELOW FOR CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

• Understand and explain the unique challenges that undocumented individuals face in the United States.
• Conceptualize treatment for undocumented clients.
• Learn self of therapist strategies in order to reflect on their own biases and stereotypes towards this group and deliver culturally sensitive treatment.

Dr. Sandra Espinoza received her B.A. in Psychology at California State University, Fullerton. She received her master's degree in Couple and Family Therapy at Alliant International University, Irvine and doctorate of psychology degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Alliant International University, Los Angeles. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as an Assistant Professor and the Program Director for the Los Angeles Campus' CFT program at Alliant University. A strong advocate for immigration reform and human rights, her research has centered around how to best address the mental health needs of Latinx immigrants impacted by deportation. Dr. Espinoza has spent most of her clinical career treating undocumented individuals and families at the community mental health level. She provides therapy in Spanish as well as supervision. Dr. Espinoza has a private practice in Los Angeles where she sees Latinx individuals and interracial couples. Her research and experience has been presented at the local, state and national level. Dr. Espinoza is an active member of AAMFT and is a AAMFT approved supervisor.