Yes I Can, (Sí, Yo Puedo)

Abstract

The Sí, Yo Puedo (SYP) program manual/book is a culturally specific 11-week curriculum designed to provide education on domestic violence, promote self-esteem, prevent domestic violence, help participants understand healthy relationships within a cultural framework, and empower immigrant Latina women to access resources and support systems in their respective communities. The step-by-step and structured SYP program manual/book is intended for bilingual Spanish-English speaking licensed graduate mental health professionals who work with immigrant Latina women or Latina women in general across the United States and around the world in direct practice settings and who want to offer psycho-educational groups. Each week, immigrant Latina women meet for two hours in a group format setting.The SYP curriculum is divided into three parts: Part I: Awareness of Self, Part II: Knowledge of Relationships within Culture, and Part III: Impact of Factors on Relationships. The mental health professional (i.e., group facilitator) teaches and facilitates large-group discussion among group members on the following topics: (a) Introductions and Who Am I?; (b) Coping Strategies; (c) Self-Esteem; (d) Influences of Past Trauma; (e) Dating; (f) Cultural Concepts: Machismo, Familism, and Marianismo; (g) Healthy Relationships; (h) Domestic Violence; (i) Factors Influencing Relationships or Sexual Abuse; (j) Talking to Children; and (k) Resources and Graduation. Through group discussion and instruction, in-class drawing and writing self-reflection exercises, and peer support, immigrant Latina women are empowered to examine their identity, self-esteem, and current relationships and to potentially make changes in their lives.