*Note* This scheduling program was not designed by folks who do a lot with APA Style and unfortunately it defaults to listing authors in alphabetical order. We cannot fix this for this online schedule, but the author orders are posted in the order submitted in the printed program available via pdf here.
The interaction of the Middle Eastern culture and its constrained depiction of sexuality has brought oppression to women and non-heteronormative sexualities. Middle Eastern women have been desexualized, and this creates an imminent need for a platform for Middle Eastern women to voice and begin a dialogue to reframe their sexuality.
As greater numbers of immigrant women enter training and practice of psychology in the United States, their voices and experiences may have a limited representation within Western psychological literature (Yakushko, 2009). Writings on immigrant experiences within Western scholarship often focus on such concepts as acculturation; frequently, this discourse dictates to immigrants what type of acculturative paths are most appropriate or “healthy” rather than allowing immigrants to pursue their own goals and pathways of adaptation (Yakushko & Consoli, 2014). In addition, immigrant literature often subsumes gender-specific aspects of migration within overall dialogue on migration that emphasizes experiences of men and those who have access to power (e.g., resources, education) over experiences of women (Yakushko & Espin, 2010). Moreover, the literature on migration often ignores the profoundly personal and contextually dynamic aspects of both the decision to relocate and integration within the new culture, including in the culture of Western psychology. For many, move to the United States spurs renegotiations of personal and professional selves. Differences in work culture, relationships, and perceived gender roles may bring on challenges, unexpected discoveries as well as new kind of resilience. The period of cultural splitting, mourning, and nostalgia (Lijtmaer, 2001) can resulted in the reuniting of cultural roots and a new appreciation of their significance in the re-formation of identity. A new type of “going on being” can emerge (Winnicott, 1956): living in two cultures simultaneously and drawing from each one to create a sense of united self. Therefore, the proposed discussion will briefly introduce participants to psychological experiences of several immigrant women in psychology, including women from Iran, Lithuania, Russia, Brazil, and Ukraine. The discussion will focus on vicissitudes of integrating the personal, the political, and the professional within psychological space with the goal to challenge and transform not only ourselves but also the field.
