Catalonia Independence Supporter On History Of Tensions

A Catalan flag is seen reflected on drops of water from rain in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Spain’s government on Thursday immediately rejected a threat by Catalonia’s leader to declare independence unless talks are held, calling a special Cabinet session for the weekend to activate measures to take control of the region’s semi-autonomous powers.
A Catalan flag is seen reflected on drops of water from rain in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Spain's government on Thursday immediately rejected a threat by Catalonia's leader to declare independence unless talks are held, calling a special Cabinet session for the weekend to activate measures to take control of the region's semi-autonomous powers. Emilio Morenatti/AP
A Catalan flag is seen reflected on drops of water from rain in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Spain’s government on Thursday immediately rejected a threat by Catalonia’s leader to declare independence unless talks are held, calling a special Cabinet session for the weekend to activate measures to take control of the region’s semi-autonomous powers.
A Catalan flag is seen reflected on drops of water from rain in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017. Spain's government on Thursday immediately rejected a threat by Catalonia's leader to declare independence unless talks are held, calling a special Cabinet session for the weekend to activate measures to take control of the region's semi-autonomous powers. Emilio Morenatti/AP

Catalonia Independence Supporter On History Of Tensions

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For many observers, the Catalan independence movement came out of nowhere. But tensions between Catalonia and Madrid have been building for years.

Dr. Gloria Arfelis is a Chicago-based clinical psychologist. She’s a dual US-Spanish citizen, originally from Catalonia.

Arfelis came to Chicago for graduate school and stayed to practice psychology. She travels to Catalonia frequently to visit family and went back to vote for independence in Catalonia’s October 1, 2017 independence referendum.