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...

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…
None of us becomes who we are in isolation. We'll work together in a safe and collaborative environment to set and follow the trajectory toward your own definition of success. I have experience with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and trauma. A specialty of my practice is working with transgender and gender nonconforming individuals and their families.

Ebony Harrison, LPC

Charlottesville

Virginia

Life can be isolating and difficult at times. That simple understanding is what continues to motivate me to be a therapist as it allows me to support others in a nonjudgmental and helpful space.

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.

Ashley Gangadean

Seattle

Washington

I love working with clients who strive for growth and healing through a collaborative process of self-discovery. When the stories you believe about your life and about your self begin to hold you back, it is time to examine deeply where those messages come from, whether they serve your greater good, or if they are even accurate. I strive to work with clients to re-imagine their lives and their…

Leon Ginn

Baltimore

Maryland

Ginn Counseling, LLC, provides virtual therapy to individuals, couples, and families in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and all of Pennsylvania. Click here to meet our therapist, Leon Ginn, MSPC, LPC. https://www.ginncounseling.com/