Psychodynamic Group Therapy with Hispanic Migrants: Interpersonal,Relational Constructs in Treating Complex Trauma,Dissociation, and Enactments

ABSTRACT

This article introduces an interpersonal, relational approach to group therapy for Hispanic migrants with significant histories of violence, abuse, multiple losses, and recurrent trauma. Psychodynamic group psychotherapy may help to address trauma symptoms, insecure/disorganized attachment, grief, and isolation with newly arrived migrants. How the relational paradigm in group psychotherapy is contributing to current theories of complex trauma and dissociation is reviewed. Using this modality conveys the importance of examining trauma-driven enactments, dissociation and symbolization involving the members of the group, the group-as-a-whole, and the group leader. Clinical examples and group therapy interventions used to address powerful dissociative enactments are discussed.