Mujerista Psychology and Space Holders for the Revolution with guest Doctora Adriana L Medrano

In this episode, host Cynthia Perez holds space with Doctora Adriana L. Medrano, a Xicana community clinical psychologist, about her work in mujerista psychology and ancestral healing. They discuss the importance of reclaiming spiritual and ancestral medicine, healing intergenerational trauma, and rewriting personal narratives. They explore the colonized narratives surrounding La Llorona and Marianismo, and the need to challenge and shift these narratives. The conversation highlights the power of connecting with ancestors and embracing intuition in order to step into personal power and reclaim cultural identity.

“Adriana L. Medrano, PhD is a Xicana Community-Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Medrano has a private practice that focuses on the reclaiming of spiritual and ancestral medicine for Black, Brown, Indigenous Womxn, Femmes & Queer Folx of Color. She is also the Co-Creator of the nonprofit Roots of South Los Angeles Wellness Center, which centers the healing and wellness of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) of her home community of South Central LA. Dr. Medrano is an Adjunct Professor for Pepperdine University’s Aliento Program and facilitates workshops in the areas of Liberation and Mujerista Psychology.”

https://adrianalmedrano.com/liberation-mujerista-psychology/
IG: rootsofsouthla

Reclaiming Our Stories: The Power of Mujerista Psychology

As I sat down with Dr. Adriana L. Medrano for the latest episode of Confetti All Around, I felt the energy shift while talking about mujerista psychology and liberation psychology. We weren’t just having a conversation; we were opening a portal to healing, to revolution, to reclaiming our power as mujeres.

The Heart of Mujerista Psychology

Mujerista psychology isn’t just another academic theory. It’s a lifeline for those of us carrying the weight of generations. Dr. Medrano puts it beautifully:

“For me, Mujerista psychology is about healing the intergenerational mother wound—the trauma that many mujeres carry. It’s about reclaiming who we truly are.”

This approach isn’t about abstract concepts. It’s about real, tangible transformation in our lives and the lives of the mujeres around us.

It’s built on three pillars:

  1. Healing Relationships
  2. Empowering Community
  3. Reclaiming Ancestral Wisdom

Owning Our Narratives

One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation was about the stories we tell ourselves. So much of our pain, our limitations, our fears – they’re wrapped up in narratives passed down through generations. But here’s the thing: we can change those stories. Dr. Medrano emphasized:

“I am the author of this story. I’m the author. I’m the narrative… as I’m healing, I’m reclaiming what it means to be a mujer.”

This isn’t just feel-good talk. It’s a radical act of self-determination. When we take control of our stories, we’re not just changing words on a page. We’re reshaping our identities, our futures, our very sense of what’s possible.

Decolonizing Our Cultural Tales

Let’s talk about La Llorona and La Malinche for a second. For too long, these stories have been used to keep us small, scared, ashamed. But what if we flipped the script? Dr. Medrano offers a powerful reframe:

“La Llorona wasn’t just a tale of terror, she was a warning, a voice for our ancestors reminding us of our power to leave behind what no longer serves us.”

When we start looking at our cultural narratives through this lens, everything shifts. We’re not victims of our history – we’re the powerful descendants of survivors, of revolutionaries, of brujas who knew how to heal and transform.

The Healing Power of Community

This work isn’t meant to be done alone. We need spaces where we can be vulnerable, where our experiences are validated, where our growth is celebrated. As I reflected during our conversation:

“We are not meant to look away from the suffering of others. We are meant to see it, to feel it deeply, and transform it together.”

These safe spaces are where the magic happens. Where storytelling becomes a tool for both personal and cultural healing. Where we start to see the patterns that connect us all.

Your Invitation to Transformation

So where do we go from here? How do we start embracing this ancestral wisdom, this power to rewrite our stories? It starts with a willingness to dig deep. To ask the hard questions about where we come from and what we carry. To listen to the whispers of our ancestors.

“Your ancestors’ voice isn’t just a faint whisper of the past; it’s a compelling call to action for today. Are you ready to listen and transform?”

This is the work we’re dedicated to at Rooted in Reflection. Through our workshops, courses, and community spaces, we’re creating pathways for first-generation individuals to navigate the complex terrain of cultural identity and intergenerational healing.

If you’re feeling called to this work:

– Listen to the full podcast episode with Dr. Medrano

– Explore the resources on our website

– Join one of our upcoming workshops

Remember, you’re the author of your own story. You have the power to redefine what it means to be a first-gen mujer. Your ancestors are cheering you on. Let’s create together. Let’s build the safe spaces and tell the stories that will heal our generations – past, present, and future.

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Confetti All Around

by Cynthia Alonzo Perez of Rooted in Reflection

I create soft spaces for inner child and epigenetic healing through nature, nostalgia and connection.