What is Feminist Psychotherapy?

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Feminist Psychotherapy emerged as an approach to counseling as the waves of feminism gained popularity in mainstream western society. It examines the unique way women relate to the world around them after being seen as inferior to men for many generations. It’s also a response to the once male-dominated field of psychotherapy as a whole.

Feminist therapists aim to treat all genders as equally deserving of respect and dignity and accept. They believe in the historical marginalization of all genders besides males.

Critical to Feminist Psychotherapy is an analysis of power dynamics. Power dynamics are inherent in any relationship, specifically within the counseling relationship. Usually, a counselor is an “expert” with high levels of education and status. The client then is thought to be less than. Feminist Psychotherapy, instead of ignoring this power dynamic or using it to their advantage to tell clients what they ought to do, seeks to highlight it and converse about it. Bringing up how the power dynamics affect the counseling relationship helps people examine the power dynamics in all other areas of their life.

Feminist Psychotherapy can be helpful for a range of mental health concerns, can be utilized for a person of any gender identity, and can be used in group settings, family settings, or individual counseling.

Critical to Feminist Psychotherapy is the idea that people grow through relationships with others. Your therapist might help you analyze your patterns of relating to significant others in your life and might ask you to recall some of your early relationships with parents or other caregivers.

Feminist Psychotherapy does not have a list of techniques necessary for treatment. It focuses on the ideas of empathetically relating to you, from one human being (your counselor) to another (you). A healthy relationship with your counselor becomes a model for all of your relationships.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Feminist Psychotherapy

Emily Cassidy, LCPC

Chicago

Illinois

I meet clients where they are, and provide support and tools in a judgement-free manner. I enjoy helping my clients navigate through challenges that come up in their lives, and at the same time provide tools to help manage their mental health long-term. Using strategies based primarily on cognitive behavioral and mindfulness approaches, I provide a suggested framework to help my clients succeed...

Jill Lees, LCSW

Arvada

Colorado

Jill Lees primarily works with female-identifying adult clients. She adopts a holistic approach to help develop greater self-awareness of thoughts and behaviors and to pinpoint the reasons behind why we may think and act in certain ways. Jill's therapeutic approaches include mindfulness/somatic work and psychodynamic therapy, among others, but she tailors therapy to each client.

Zoe Weinstein, LSW

Chicago

Illinois

Therapy is an experience that is unique, and it is my goal to assist you in navigating your own journey. As a collaborative team, we can explore different challenges in your life and work towards becoming the best version of yourself, whatever that looks and feels like for you.

Lisa Audino

Belfast

Maine

A desire to change is often forged in hardships that are overwhelming, painful, and cause suffering. It can be a difficult path to navigate alone. A therapeutic relationship based on trust, open communication, respect, and empathy is fundamental to overcoming struggles. Whether it is during a transition, an acute issue, or mental illness, I work to provide a supportive, safe, and non-judgmental…

Kayte Heslet, MS, LMFT

Sherman Oaks

California

I have specialized areas of experience/in-depth training in healing from trauma of many kinds, including abuse and Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN); working with the kinds of anxiety and depression that seem to be well on the way toward burnout; helping individuals who are struggling within their relationships; and assisting stepmoms/future stepmoms in managing the unique dynamics and stressor...

Deborah Danner, Ph.D., LCPC, CADC, NCC

Rolling Meadows

Illinois

Deborah Danner has numerous certifications in trauma treatment and focuses sessions on helping you become more empowered in your life. She uses gentleness, honesty, and awareness to help previously ignored parts of you be heard. Patience and self-compassion are the centers of her therapy sessions. Her ultimate goal is to help you regain control of your life and love yourself.