“I’m Like A Chameleon”: An Exploration of the Experiences of Mexican American Women Who Are Group Psychotherapists-in-Training

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the tasks, challenges, and perspectives of group-therapy leadership among Mexican American women who are psychotherapists-in-training. The literature regarding counselor and psychotherapist development suggests that culture and gender interact and shape group leadership, along with the group leader’s effectiveness, behavior, and style. This study sought to answer the following research questions: (1) What are the experiences of group leadership of Mexican American women who are psychotherapists-in-training (PITs)? (2) What tasks and challenges do Mexican American women PITs encounter as group psychotherapy leaders? Results suggest that Mexican American women group PITs encounter obstacles to group leadership associated with their cultural and professional identities. However, consistent with Anzaldúa's borderlands theory, the Mexican American women group PITs in this study straddle two cultures and competing demands while also turning obstacles into sources of empowerment and strength. Implications for training and supervision of Mexican American women group PITs are discussed.