Indigenous Treatments: Dichos

Dichos, also known as refranes, are Spanish-language sayings that can be used as a psychotherapeutic tool when working with Latino clients. Proverbs, aphorisms, and adages are other English terms that are often used interchangeably to refer to the same concept. Dichos are brief, humorous, moralistic, and picturesque statements that express what many individuals from [Page 251]the same cultural group accept as representative of their perspective about the human condition. They are considered significant core beliefs in the development of moral standards, attitudes, and social conduct within a culture. Dichos address numerous and diverse subjects and may be philosophical, psychological, or religious in nature. They commonly fall into one or more of the following categories: food; love and marriage; work and monetary issues; and friendship, family, ...