Morgan A. Stinson

“I Am Not Going to Lose My Kids to the Streets” Meanings and Experiences of Motherhood Among Mexican-Origin Women

Motherhood has different meanings for women and there are a multitude of factors that shape experiences of parenting. Heuristic inquiry was used to examine the lived experiences of motherhood among 20 Mexican-origin women parenting alone. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted and data were organized and presented by six domains: (a) description of self as a mother, (b) perceptions of strengths, (c) perceptions of challenges, (d) influences as a parent, (e) meaning of motherhood, and (f) mothering as a woman of Mexican origin. Quotes were used to illustrate the six domains and a composite depiction to summarize our description and interpretation of the phenomenon of parenting alone as a Hispanic mother. Despite their challenges, participants described themselves as good mothers, who were protective, loving, and devoted to their children; they also described their culture as enriching their experiences of mothering although they faced obstacles due to marginalization and discrimination. A feminist-informed, intersectionality lens is used to discuss the findings.

Redefining Conflict Resolution Styles for Latino Couples: Examining the Role of Gender and Culture

Research on conflict resolution is essential for working with couples in therapy, however, much of the literature informing this work is Eurocentric and culturally insensitive. The primary aim of the authors in this exploratory study was to present redefined, culturally informed subscales adapted for Latino couples. Conflict resolution styles were examined with 191 Latino couples residing in the United States. Five new conflict resolution styles were created from Gottmans Marital Conflict Scale and family therapy literature. Multiple analysis of variance were used for the analyses. Latina/o critical race theory informed this discussion specific to gender and culture, as well as clinical and research implications.

Mejor Sola Que Mal Acompañada: Strengths and Challenges of Mexican-Origin Mothers Parenting Alone

Marriage is often viewed as central to family stability and health, and problem-saturated discourses about single parenting have failed to address the advantages of parenting alone. Heuristic methodology was used to examine the meanings and experiences of Latinas parenting alone. This study reflects the lived experiences of 20 Mexican-origin women who participated in a 1- to 2-hour, in-depth, semistructured interview. Data are presented by three exemplary portraits and five core consistencies embedded in a composite depiction. Overall, although parenting alone was challenging, it was considered beneficial and preferable, especially when the childs fathers influence was problematic or detrimental to the familys well-being. Chicana feminism and an intersectionality lens is used to interpret findings. Implications for research and intervention are also discussed.

Who's in Our Clients’ Bed? A Case Illustration of Sex Therapy With a Polyamorous Couple

Polyamory is a term used to describe when individuals pursue multiple concurrent romantic relationships with the permission of their partners. Polyamory is an underrecognized and underresearched area of interest in the mental health field. Therefore, little guidance is available on best practice for couple and sex therapy interventions. The present article explores a case study involving the successful implementation of sensate focus therapy with a polyamorous couple. The unique issues that arose while performing sex therapy with a couple in this type of coupling were explored to provide clinicians with recommendations for practice.

The Role of Tele-Mental Health in Therapy for Couples in Long-Distance Relationships

The rates of long distance romantic relationships are increasing, and it is important to realize that many of these couples may face unique challenges compared with geographically close couples. However, because of geographical separation, couples in long distance relationships may not have access to therapy services that could benefit their relationships. Therefore, therapists need to make accommodations for working with them. One way of supporting this population is through videoconferencing. Videoconference services are programs that allow people in different places to talk to each other in real time. One of the more popular videoconferencing services is Skype. This article will explore the use of Skype in therapy with couples in long distance relationships. The current state of the literature on Internet based psychotherapeutic interventions and the ethical considerations associated with this type of treatment will be addressed. Drawing on a clinical case study, implications of Skype therapy for long distance relationships will be discussed.

Marital Satisfaction, Conflict Resolution Styles, and Religious Attendance Among Latino Couples: Using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model

Research related to the process of communication among couples is central to the work of couple and family therapists. This study examines the relationship between couple’s conflict resolution styles, weekly church attendance, and marital satisfaction. Specifically, we surveyed 191 Latino couples using Gottman’s typology of conflict resolution styles (e.g., validator, avoidant, and volatile) to identify which style predicted marital satisfaction for both partners. Using the actor–partner interdependence model, we find a multifaceted picture of how partner’s conflict resolution style influences theirs and their partner’s marital satisfaction.

Thank You for Including Us! - Introducing a Community-Based Collaborative Approach to Translating Clinic Materials

When working with clients in another language, having culturally relevant and properly translated clinic materials is vital to effective clinical practice. Not having them presents a barrier for bilingual therapists and their clients. This paper reviews common translation methods and introduces a multi-level, community-based approach for translating clinic materials for non-English speaking clients. Informed by decolonizing practices, this five-tier method includes members from the target community as cultural brokers to verify the accuracy and nuances of language for their cultural group, as well as a constant comparative method to ensure methodological rigor in the process of inclusion. We present community members feedback and recommendations, as well as discuss advantages and challenges of using this collaborative culturally responsive translation method.

Afro-Caribbean Mothers in the U.S.: An Exploratory Study From a Transnational Feminist Perspective

Afro-Caribbean immigrants are a growing and marginalized population in the U.S. Although they have much in common with African Americans and Latino immigrants, they are a unique and diverse group that is often misunderstood and understudied. This exploratory study highlights the struggles of these mothers as they navigate contrasting parenting values and practices as transnational families. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis revealed four themes related to culture, discipline, education, and collectivism. Data were interpreted from a transnational feminist lens. Clinical implications are offered to strengthen cultural sensitivity and effectiveness with Afro-Caribbean immigrant mothers and their families.

A Review of “The Reality Slap: Finding Peace and Fulfillment When Life Hurts”

Life-altering events can threaten the well-being of our clients’ lives and often occur in an unexpected manner. When these situations befall our clients, it is helpful to establish stability and, eventually, inspire growth. The main premise of Russ Harris’s The Reality Slap: Finding Peace and Fulfillment When Life Hurts, is that people are often confronted with a difference between their current dire reality and the reality they desire. The primary focus of the text is to assist people in maneuvering this painful gap. Harris adopts a unique stance asserting that the capacity to handle pain and anguish in life is essential for fulfillment. As such, the author avoids simple, banal ideas that are often repeated by loved ones as a prescription to help the grieving individual. The text goes beyond simply making the reader feel good and suggests how people can create a stable platform of mindfulness, meaning making, and purpose in life and develop the capacity to be present with life’s inevitable pain. The Reality Slap is well organized, consisting of 22 chapters divided into five sections. It is written in a nontechnical manner that allows laypeople to easily digest otherwise difficult theoretical concepts. Readers are exposed to both the breadth and depth of knowledge on the foundational elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how to implement its elements in everyday life by applying mindfulness and acceptance. Each chapter is filled with well-thought-out information that helps the reader understand not only mindfulness principles but also the tools and techniques through which they are easily applied by clinicians and the lay public. Harris shares rich personal and clinical examples that clearly illustrate the concepts. He demonstrates how this therapy model is unique from others in that it eschews traditional notions of replacing, changing, or fighting against unwanted thoughts and feelings and encourages learning to sit with pain in a growth-inducing manner. Furthermore, the appendices provide helpful resources for people who seek to create sustainable life goals and learn mindfulness through specific exercises to engender more peace in their lives. The Reality Slap presents an effective approach to addressing a wide variety of stressful life events and our responses to them. It effortlessly teaches

Utilizing a Narrative Approach to Increasing Intimacy After Prostate Cancer

Attitudes about sexual intimacy are an important aspect of relationship satisfaction, especially for couples dealing with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can have profound effects on men and their partners, and more research is needed to better understand potential sexual barriers for these couples. Five major themes identified in the literature related to prostate cancer survivors and their partners are sexual intimacy, self-esteem, sense of masculinity, role change, and communication. These themes can help counselors identify key clinical issues for helping couples recover from prostate cancer. We integrated these themes with narrative therapy questions to help couples deconstruct problematic narratives and move toward preferred narratives about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences as they learn and grow in their recovery process.