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

Amanda Rizo

Long Beach

California

I am passionate about inspiring my clients to embrace and allow their wellbeing. The short-cut to happiness is the deliberate intention of only feeling good. I help clients cultivate authentic relationships in their lives; both with themselves and others. I provide a safe environment for clients to explore their true selves. I guide clients in mastering the process of creating their own reality...

Nicole Rollins-Lamar

Washington

District of Columbia

Dr. Lamar is a psychologist and a licensed professional counselor who has been providing therapy to individuals, families and groups for over 12 years. She earned a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University's Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 2016. She also has a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology earned in 2003, and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from St. Xavier...

Jessica B Montague

Oakland

California

It is very common that we find ourselves feeling alone or challenged in our most intimate relationships, even when there's love. Working collaboratively we will focus on understanding what's happening within you, strengthening connection in relationships, improving communication, and facilitating an experience of a felt sense that you are important, heard, seen and loved. My clinical style is...
My therapy focuses on stress management and relaxation techniques for Silicon Valley professional women. To address the unique pressures facing females in tech, including but not limited to: work life balance, gender and race issues in the workplace, and professional advancement, I use evidence-based practices, informed by strengths and systemic perspectives, to help decrease stress and worry, ...
Jessica uses a strengths based approach and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote health and wellness on multiple levels. With over 10 years of experience supporting individuals overcoming anxiety, depression, stress, substance misuse, and trauma, she empowers individuals to refocus pain and struggle into becoming one’s optimal and healthiest self. Her goal is to help clients direct their...

Echo Park Somatic Therapy

Los Angeles

California

Psychotherapy has the greatest impact when it is collaborative and interactive. I provide a safe, supportive, empowering space where, together, we can explore and untangle those elements of life that challenge you. Some of the goals of our work together will include: managing stressors, breaking old patterns, setting healthy boundaries, and weathering the upsets of life through self-care,...
Life is a beautiful, messy and often stressful gift. I work with clients to empower them to find their inner strength and often times find 'themselves' again. I utilize an interactive approach that allows clients to be an equal partner in the therapeutic process. I work with individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, trauma and...

Briania Nicole Davis

Louisville

Kentucky

ATTENTION WORRIERS!!! Are you CONSTANTLY feeling anxious, experiencing panic or anxiety attacks? Do you find yourself angry, UNABLE TO CONTROL your thoughts? Has disappointment after disappointment caused you to feel HELPLESS to create change and HOPELESS for a better future leading to depression symptoms? Have you been experiencing family conflict, relationship issues, LOSS OF IDENTITY that ha...
At Sagestone, we respect and acknowledge the vital aspects of your life and take a "whole you" approach. We use empathy, compassion, and curiosity to better understand you and your needs. We listen. We share our experience, "know how", and provide thought-provoking, substantive, and practical process. We provide support that fosters safety, curiosity, and growth. We meet you where you are, in t...
I typically help clients experiencing relationship issues, life transitions, and identity development concerns build upon their personal strengths to better encounter life's obstacles. Through therapy, my clients experience growth and empowerment through a safe and confidential relationship. My practice will help you gain direction, insight, personal and relational healing, and coping skills to...
Worries can interfere with your enjoyment of the present, allowing "what ifs" to distract and agitate. While anxiety is a universal emotional state that everyone experiences from time to time, many of us find that we can't shut it off, preventing us from being fully engaged in life, school, and work. I can help. Together, we can identify ways to quiet the body and mind, restoring balance and...
You have the capacity to heal from past trauma and emotional wounds, to feel empowered and alive, and to create the life you want. I am here to help you understand yourself better, to help you tap into that deep inner wisdom, and to help you move in the direction of your highest self. If you find depression, anxiety, relationship problems, or issues from the past prevent you from feeling fully...

Sarah Farris

Chicago

Illinois

When stress and anxiety become overwhelming, they damage emotional and physical wellbeing and threaten relationships, self-esteem, and your ability to focus and perform your best. Overthinking, self-doubt and frequent worry can be distracting and make it harder to enjoy daily life. I'm an experienced therapist with a passion in guiding the healing process for individuals with stress, anxiety, l...
It's more important now than ever to get support. I'm highly skilled at helping clients address trauma, adjust to change, overcome intimate and family relationship difficulties, attachment issues, and anxiety. I work collaboratively—a strong connection between therapist and client is the foundation of good therapy. Listening deeply to clients, I draw on 30 years as a somatic practitioner and us...

Kyle Douglas

Fort Collins

Colorado

I view therapy as a place to safely tell your story. Each story is unique and is comprised of its own set of characters and settings. It is my privilege to explore your narrative and to bare witness to the obstacles of the past, the trials of today, and the triumphs of tomorrow. I also hope to join you in your attempt to write each new exciting chapter of your life. Together we can work to crea...