Amor, Familia, y Conexión: Working with Latino Couples

Title of Event: Amor, Familia, y Conexión: Working with Latino Couples

Description of Event:

Latino couples bring rich and diverse cultural experiences into the therapy room, including values and traditions related to family, gender, spirituality, sexuality, communication, and intimate relationships. At the same time, there is no singular “Latino relationship experience.” Cultural identity intersects with factors such as country of origin, race, immigration history, acculturation, generation, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic context. This presentation will explore how culturally informed clinicians can recognize the influence of values such as familismo, personalismo, and respeto, while thoughtfully examining traditional gender expectations, intergenerational dynamics, religion and spirituality, and experiences of migration and acculturation. Particular attention will be given to avoiding cultural assumptions and approaching each couple with curiosity, humility, and an appreciation for the strengths and resilience embedded within their cultural identities.

Drawing from culturally responsive practice, attachment theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and the Gottman Method, this presentation will translate these cultural considerations into practical interventions for couple therapy. Participants will explore how culture may influence conflict, emotional expression, intimacy and sexuality, boundaries with extended family, help-seeking, and expectations of partnership. Through clinical examples and opportunities for reflection, participants will learn strategies for initiating conversations about culture, identifying differences in cultural values within the couple, and adapting familiar couple-therapy interventions to better fit each couple’s lived experience. The goal is not to provide a formula for treating Latino couples, but to help clinicians develop a more culturally attuned framework for understanding and strengthening the relationships of the couples they serve.

Start Date: 03-19-2027

End Date: 03-19-2027

Time of Event: 10:00 AM EDT -1:00 PM EDT

Location: Online Synchronous

Sex Therapy (ST) Training: 
ST-C. Theory and methods of approach to intervention in relationship systems experiencing sex and intimacy problems.

Presenter/Speaker: Melanie Ricaurte

Main Contact: Raiza Queen Enriquez

Contact Email: office@rivkasidorsky.com

Event Website:https://rivkasidorsky.org/workshops/AmorFamilia/view

AASECT Approved CEs: 3