“SOLO PONLE VICKS!”: Counseling the Spanish-Speaking Community

Most Hispanic households often hear this statement. “Solo ponle vicks!”, is a humorous belief that just putting Vicks on will somehow easily heal the physical illness or complaint. Well is it true that Vicks heals physical illnesses? I’m not sure, but my mother and grandmother swear by it to this day. Unfortunately, Vicks does not help bring healing to mental health disorders.

More and more Hispanics are beginning to find healing through counseling for depression and anxiety. What something appeared as taboo is now rapidly becoming a trend in the Latino community.

Establishing District Counseling in Houston, Texas initially was intended for general counseling services without truly having a specialized population. Over time District Counseling began noticing a trend of Spanish-speaking clients. It became evident that the Hispanic community was becoming willing to seek counseling from someone who spoke and looked like them. It was an honor to begin developing a niche in helping Spanish-speaking clients.

It has now been over 5 years and I have learned much about the Spanish-speaking community at District Counseling. Here are a few points we have learned:

• Mental Health is Family Health. The term familismo applies in the therapy room. The concept of familismo, the value of family ties and loyalty, indeed runs deep through the heart of our work. It’s not just an individual’s well-being at stake; the emotional health of one family member ripples out to affect the entire household. We understand that approaching mental health involves not only the individual but also the intricate weave of familial relationships. Offering counseling services that appreciate and integrate these cultural values is central to our mission. We’ve witnessed firsthand the collective strength that families draw upon in times of difficulty, and it’s our privilege to provide tools and support that nurture this powerful connection. Our approach is built on a foundation of trust and understanding, ensuring that each family feels seen, heard, and respected on their journey toward healing.
• Clear expectations for therapy. Many Spanish-speaking clients have the perception that therapy is advice-giving. Clients believe that the therapist will provide all the answers to their questions and that we will give them a step-by-step manual on what to do. In reality, therapy is a collaborative process where both the therapist and client work together to find solutions. At District Counseling, we make this clear from the beginning and take the time to explain our approach to therapy. This helps build trust and sets realistic expectations for our clients.
• The power of storytelling. Storytelling has always been an integral part of Hispanic culture, often we learn so much wisdom from imagery and parables shared by our clients. We honor this tradition by encouraging our clients to share their stories and experiences. Through storytelling, we can gain a deeper understanding of each client’s unique journey, struggles, and strengths. This allows us to tailor our therapeutic approach to best fit their needs and goals.
• Breaking cultural barriers. Many times, Spanish-speaking clients may hesitate or feel uncomfortable seeking therapy due to cultural stigmas. Our therapists will frequently acknowledge and affirm the courage and bravery our Spanish-speaking clients have taken to coming to therapy. We want to break the barriers that may prevent people from seeking help and create a safe and welcoming space for all clients, regardless of their cultural background.
• Empowerment through language. At District Counseling, we understand the importance of being able to express oneself in their native language. Many Hispanic clients may struggle with finding the right words to describe their feelings or emotions in English. District Counseling encourages Spanglish!

In conclusion, “Solo ponle Vicks!” is not always the solution for mental health struggles in the Hispanic community. However, at District Counseling we provide a safe and inclusive space for our Spanish-speaking clients to find healing through counseling. We are dedicated to understanding and integrating cultural values into our approach, and we strive to empower our clients through their native language. So when it comes to mental health, instead of just putting on Vicks, consider reaching out and seeking the support you deserve. We’re here to help. Houston, District Counseling esta aqui para cambiar tu vida! (“Houston, District Counseling is here to change your life!”)

Written by Frank Ortiz, MS, LPC-S, NCC
About the Author: Frank Ortiz is the founder of District Counseling in Houston, Texas. He holds a Master of Science degree in counseling from Southern Adventist University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). With over 10 years of experience, Frank specializes in working with the Hispanic community and has dedicated his career to bringing mental health healing.

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