Abstract

Silvia W. Olarte M.D. 1 and Ruth Masnik M.S.W. 2 1 Lenox Hill Hospital New York Medical College New York City 2 Psychiatric Social Services at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City The authors describe a long-term group therapy program that has been successful in helping Hispanic women cope with adverse social and economic conditions and with a male-dominated culture. The group members explore conflicts presented by traditional roles of men and women in Hispanic culture and the issues of acculturation, family conflicts, children's performance, and violence, crime, and drug use in the community. Therapists' use of role modeling and didactic discussion encourages group members to share and examine their feelings, to provide insight into other members' feelings, and to slowly change their behavior.