“Let us heal together. But first I invite you to take a breath.”
The impact of colonialism, generational trauma, and individual trauma is often disregarded in the Latinx community. This pioneering guide addresses this trauma and takes Latinx readers on a journey of healing and liberation.. It explores what it means to have been systematically oppressed, how it impacts us, and how to change it. In doing so, this book challenges stereotypes, unravels the shame-based narratives around Latinx mental health, and refocuses the conversation around cultural empowerment, awareness, and transformation.
Each chapter is enriched with historically informed psychoeducation regarding the impact of various types of trauma on Latinx mental health. It also includes reflection questions and healing exercises to help readers process how they, their families, and communities have been impacted.
Accessible and interactive, this is an invaluable resource for Latinx people and mental health professionals working within the Latinx community.
The impact of colonialism, generational trauma, and individual trauma is often disregarded in the Latinx community. This pioneering guide addresses this trauma and takes Latinx readers on a journey of healing and liberation.. It explores what it means to have been systematically oppressed, how it impacts us, and how to change it. In doing so, this book challenges stereotypes, unravels the shame-based narratives around Latinx mental health, and refocuses the conversation around cultural empowerment, awareness, and transformation.
Each chapter is enriched with historically informed psychoeducation regarding the impact of various types of trauma on Latinx mental health. It also includes reflection questions and healing exercises to help readers process how they, their families, and communities have been impacted.
Accessible and interactive, this is an invaluable resource for Latinx people and mental health professionals working within the Latinx community.
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Reviews
As a bilingual and bicultural therapist working with the Latinx community, I find The Latinx Guide to Liberation an essential read for anyone in the mental health field. Vanessa Pezo provides a powerful historical context for the deep wounds our community has endured, wounds we are still trying to understand and heal from today.
This book offers critical psychoeducation on trauma, exploring the impact of colonization and providing insights into the diverse cultural beliefs across Latin American countries. It sheds light on the values central to our community while also challenging the limiting, often harmful, Western mental health ideologies. Pezo does an incredible job of breaking down complex trauma concepts in ways that are both accessible and relatable, using real-life examples to help us better support our client's well-being.
The reflections included throughout invite us to engage deeply with the material, fostering curiosity and integration of new knowledge. What stands out is how Pezo names the challenges of straddling two cultures, often with opposing values and expectations, and the emotional toll it takes. This book makes me feel seen, understood, and valued as a member of the Latinx community.
The Latinx Guide to Liberation is not just a book; it's a much-needed manual for clinicians seeking a foundational understanding of working with Latinx individuals in mental health. Vanessa, thank you for giving voice to our collective experience and normalizing our upbringing with clarity and compassion.
Vanessa Pezo has expertly and thoroughly broken down the history and impact of colonization and white supremacy to help us all better understand the depth of generational trauma. She put into words what our ancestors endured at the hands of colonialism and how its effects are still felt today and provides tools to empower us to heal and continue la lucha toward liberation from the systems that harm us. This book is a reminder that we are all worthy of blooming where we're rooted and a testament to the power we have as a community when we work toward healing in the name of freedom.