In the qualitative study, various themes affecting Latino immigrants were identified for each stage of displacement. In Stage One, Seeking Opportunities, the authors found the theme of alienation to be common among the study participants during their experience in the United States. For Stage Two, Emotional Reaction, Serrata and Fischer (2013) determined fear to be the prevailing one among “an array of emotions” experienced throughout the process of immigration” (p.13). During Stage Three, Adjustment, the immigrants’ assimilation to the United States was identified as one of the main themes associated with the transition and role changes. For Stage Four, Rationalization, Serrata and Fischer (2013) found that many “Latino immigrants … missed the family members they left behind in Mexico” (p. 14). Finally, in Stage Five, Acknowledgement, some participants “merely acknowledged the changes that they had to endure to make their transition” (p. 14). The study findings have several implications for rehabilitation counseling as they emphasize diversity and highlight the common problems that Latino immigrants face during their transition to the US.
As a counselor counseling a Latino client who shares their immigration experience with me, I would make sure to establish trust and provide a safe and comfortable experience to the person. According to Moorey and Lavender (2018), the therapeutic alliance is of particular importance to promote mental health and reduce anxiety and stress. In particular, I would embrace the diversity and allow the client to talk and share their concerns regarding the transition. As the study findings by Serrata and Fischer (2013) reveal, understanding “the psychological processing that Latino immigrants experience” is crucial to providing support (p. 14). With the knowledge of the stages of displacement in Latino immigrants, I would be able to address their needs better and offer methods to overcome the anxiety and difficulties associated with the transition.
References
Moorey, S., & Lavender, A. (Eds.). (2018). The therapeutic relationship in cognitive behavioural therapy. SAGE.
Serrata, C., & Fischer, J. (2013). Stages of displacement: The immigration experience of Latinos. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 44(4), 10-16.