Social Influences of Latine and Black Mental Health Workshop
Series

Discover the transformative power of cultural humility with The Social Influences of Latine and Black Mental Health Workshop Series. This comprehensive program divided into five workshops is designed to empower professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver exceptional and culturally relevant care in Latine and Black communities.
In this workshop series, you will expand your pool of meaning by gaining valuable insights into how social and cultural experiences profoundly shape the needs, preferences, and decision-making processes of Latine and Black clients, particularly when seeking and receiving your care.
Each workshop will equip you with practical strategies and tools to adapt your communication styles and care methods effectively. Learn how to create an environment where Latine and Black clients feel truly heard, respected, and supported throughout their interactions with you!
Workshop Descriptions and Objectives
Living in the In-Between: Unpacking the Mental Health Impacts of Assimilation and Acculturation in Latine and Black Immigrants
Assimilation and Acculturation are two critical processes that happen when individuals immigrate from one cultural context to another. Assimilation refers to the process by which an immigrant adopts the cultural values, attitudes, and behaviors of the dominating culture in their new country at the expense of their original culture. Acculturation, on the other hand, refers to the process by which immigrants adopt aspects of the dominating culture while maintaining aspects of their original culture. This training will examine the impact of assimilation and acculturation on the mental health of first- and second-generation U.S. Latine and Black immigrants through an identity development lens.
By the end of the training, participants will have
- Distinguished between first-generation and second-generation immigrants.
- Defined the concepts of Assimilation and Acculturation.
- Named the social and systemic factors that lead to Assimilation and Acculturation in first and second-generation U.S. Latine and Black immigrants.
- Categorized the types of stress caused by Assimilation and Acculturation in first and second-generation U.S. Latine and Black immigrants.
- Reviewed dialogical strategies for addressing the effects of Assimilation and Acculturation on self-esteem, safety, and belonging.
Reshaping Gender Narratives: Navigating Marianismo, Machismo, and Mental Health in Latine and Black Communities
Machismo and Marianismo are cultural norms and values that shape gender roles and expectations in Latine and Black communities. Machismo refers to the belief in traditional masculinity characterized by dominance, aggression, and emotional restraint. In contrast, Marianismo refers to the idealization of women as selfless, nurturing, and virtuous. In this training, participants will acknowledge and discuss the impact of these gender roles on the mental health of Latine and Black communities.
By the end of the training, participants will have
- Defined the concepts of Marianismo and Machismo.
- Reflected on the historical and cultural roots of Marianismo and Machismo.
- Listed the gender role expectations created by Marianismo and Machismo and their impact on mental health.
- Applied dialogical strategies for challenging harmful gender role expectations in relationships.
Family as Foundation: Understanding Familism's Role in Latine and Black Mental Health
Familism is a cultural value that emphasizes fostering close and supportive family relationships, even above one’s needs. Hence, it significantly impacts how individuals perceive and pursue health, education, and social support. In this training, we will explore the impact of familism on the mental health of Latine and Black individuals by examining both its harmful and beneficial effects.
By the end of the training, participants will have
- Defined Familism within the context of Latine and Black culture.
- Identified the distinct Familism characteristics in the roles, responsibilities, and relationships within Latine and Black families.
- Examined the advantages and disadvantages of upholding familism values on identity development, well-being, and decision-making processes.
- Prepared dialogical strategies for navigating interpersonal conflicts related to Familism values.
Breaking the Shade: Confronting Colorism and Anti-Blackness in Latine and Black Culture
Phrases such as “Pelo Malo” (bad or curly hair) and “Mejora la Raza” (improve the race) are examples of Colorist and Anti-Black language in Latine and Spanish-speaking communities, perpetuating a preference for lighter skin tones and hatred against Blackness. In this workshop, we will develop a comprehensive understanding of Colorism and Anti-Blackness, their historical roots, and how they manifest within Latine and Black cultures.
By the end of the training, participants will have
- Examined the historical connection between Racism, Colorism, and Anti-Blackness.
- Named Colorist and Anti-Black behaviors in Latine and Black communities.
- Discussed the harmful effects of colorism and anti-Blackness on the self-esteem, identity formation, and overall well-being of Latine and Black folks.
- Listed strategies for dismantling Colorism and Anti-Blackness at all levels of oppression.
One Mosquito Bite is Enough: Unmasking Racial Microaggressions and Their Impact on Latine and Black Mental Health
Racial Microaggressions are subtle acts of exclusion toward oppressed racial and ethnic groups. Latines and Black folks often experience deliberate or unintentional Microaggressions at their workplace, school, and communities. This session considers the various forms that racial microaggressions can take, including verbal, behavioral, and environmental, and their impact on Latine and Black mental health.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have
- Defined Racial Microaggressions and alternative terms, such as Subtle Acts of Exclusion.
- Labeled the different types of Racial Microaggressions in various contexts, particularly with Latine and Black communities.
- Examined the long-term consequences and cumulative impact of repeated Racial Microaggressions on the mental health of Latine and Black folks.
- Practiced interruptors for confronting racial microaggressions when they occur, both as bystanders and as recipients.

Workshop Series Logistics
Population: For therapists, social services providers, health care professionals, and educators. Content can be modified for high schoolers and college students.
Capacity: Up to 40 participants per workshop is ideal.
Mode: Virtual or in-person, no hybrid mode.
Language: English or Spanish.
Length: Every workshop is 3 hours. The client can pick and choose specific workshops from the list provided or request the complete five-part series.
Cost: $4000 per virtual workshop or $5000 per in-person workshop.
I found the whole training to be a positive experience. It was helpful to have another perspective, especially from somebody who has been through the whole immigration process herself. It was also helpful to think about all of the things that can be challenging for students who are first or second-generation immigrants.
Ysabel offered a huge wealth of knowledge on the history of colorism. She was very open, kind, respectful, and an effective communicator – speaking AND listening. We had an amazing open space for talking about some really tough subjects.
She opened up my eyes to a lot on the topic. It made think about it more deeply and align things with the fact that things stem from somewhere, which in this case it was culture. She made me and a lot of people realize we could relate and it’s okay to not agree with these
specific roles.
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