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Global and local conflicts often emerge due to sociopolitical changes. Many of these changes entail negative consequences to women, usually in the form of violence against them. This article describes some of the oppressive conditions of women living in technologically underdeveloped and developed countries, as well as in war and state-sponsored violence areas. Special attention is also given to the gender-specific violence experienced by refugee women. A review of women's reactions to oppression and violence suggests that many cope with their grief through creative transformation. Women's resistance movements and their contributions to the liberation and peace process embody female forms of empowerment. This article discusses feminine movements such as las madres (mothers), campesinas (peasants), Amazonas (Amazons), and arpilleras (women who make arpilleras--cloth pictures) as examples of female empowerment in the midst of violence. We conclude that women's resistance against violence has altered our discourse of culture, gender, and politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As professions evolve, they become increasingly specialized. Psychology is one such profession that recognizes the need for unique knowledge and abilities for clinical practice with particular populations. There is a demonstrated need for such advanced skill in the assessment and treatment of serious mental illness (SMI) and the provision of evidence-based interventions that comprise psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) for SMI. Postdoctoral residency is an opportunity to receive specific training in the provision of PSR services for those with SMI. However, there are few opportunities for such education and training, and there is little research on the impact of such training. This article summarizes the outcomes of a PSR/SMI psychology residency at a large, Northeastern Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Program data of residents' self-ratings at the beginning and end of the training year suggest that the postdoctoral training program contributes to increased self-confidence both as an entry-level psychologist (7 out of 7 domains increased, p < .05), and also as a PSR practitioner (6 out of 7 domains increased, p < .05). A majority of residents from the program went on to SMI/PSR-related jobs immediately postresidency. Results demonstrate that postdoctoral psychology training can provide trainees with the confidence to work as a psychologist and PSR practitioner working with individuals with SMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of psychiatric rehabilitation and the recovery movement generate new and expanded roles for psychologists in services for people with serious mental illness (SMI). However, the proportion of psychologists working in SMI services today is substantially less than previous decades. This article reviews the roles of psychologists in various mental health systems and outlines the contributions that psychologists can make in implementing evidence based approaches for people with SMI. A survey of American Psychology Association (APA)-accredited Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) Clinical Psychology doctoral programs was conducted. The results of the survey indicate an increase, since the early 1990s, in clinical faculty with SMI interests, and suggest that many graduate programs provide opportunities for SMl-relevant research and practicum training. However, the survey also indicates a lack of coursework on topics relevant to SMI and a lack of coursework relevant to assuming administrative and leadership roles in the mental health system. Despite training opportunities in graduate school, production of new PhDs who choose the SMI field is unlikely to meet the demand. According to the present study, the limiting factor is not availability of training, but student career choice. The opportunities and challenges that psychologists face in SMI recovery-oriented service delivery are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]