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

Ilana Attie

New York

New York

In my practice, I aim to create a comfortable space within which to explore emotional, interpersonal, and behavioral difficulties. I work with children, adolescents and adults in individual, couple, and family psychotherapy. Through a collaborative process, I help patients discover connections between problematic patterns of thinking and relating, and the ongoing challenges they face. These...
I believe we are all equipped with the resources to navigate our way to fulfillment. Sometimes life's challenges overwhelm us and we need some extra support. Sometimes hurts from long ago arise and get in our way. I will guide you in uncovering your inner strengths by providing a safe environment where we will engage in meaningful conversations about your emotional life. By exploring areas of b...

Allison Berwald, LCSW

New York

New York

I provide affirmative psychodynamic psychotherapy to LGBTQIA+ individuals, with special experience with gender identity issues. I use a trauma-informed, inclusive, anti-racist approach with individuals of all intersecting racial, cultural, religious and socioeconomic experiences. In a world that is not always accepting of difference, I strive to foster an empathetic and judgement-free space to...

Melanie Ernould

Sacramento

California

I have 12 years of experience working with wonderful children with difficult behaviors and struggles, such as anxiety, ADHD, ASD, depression, and loss. I have the unique combination of a doctoral education and training in Child Directed Play Therapy. I have trained at the Brown University Center for the Study of Children at Risk, acted as a consultant for Head Start, and interned at UMass. I ha...
Life is challenging you and you're feeling anxious and depressed, looking for support takes courage. The poet, Rumi says "[We] are born with wings so why do [we] prefer to crawl through life?" My job as your therapist is to help you find your "wings." Many of us are cocooned in trauma or angst of some sort waiting for that moment to emerge in our own beautiful unique ways. As your therapist, I...
Currently I am in private practice and enjoy working with client's who have or currently experiencing depression, anxiety, past or current trauma, mood instability, substance abuse/dependency, identity issues, relationship/martial problems, anger issues, crisis intervention, and couples counseling. "Let's work together to turn problems into challenges" I have worked in many setting working with...

Colby Kant Harris

Phoenix

Arizona

A good fit between you and your therapist is crucial; you must feel comfortable and understood. I strive to provide a warm and nonjudgmental environment. I work to understand your perspective, to support you, and to help you clarify what you want for yourself (in therapy and in your life). Together we will determine the best way to help you cope, heal, and grow. People who find me most helpful ...
I am passionate about connecting with clients and providing them with a safe and open environment where they can learn, grow, and improve themselves. I have worked with a broad range of client needs and have found that a strong foundational relationship between client and therapist is essential to creating any kind of growth. I encourage clients to shift into a positive framework and will often...
I believe in the importance of getting to know ourselves to our best ability, as this is key in overcoming life's obstacles and healing from past and present pain. One of the biggest joys in my life is having the privilege of getting to know my clients and helping them access their full potentials to get through difficult times. I'm dedicated to forming a strong and caring therapeutic alliance....

Ariel Hirsch

Los Angeles

California

Asking for help is vulnerable, but it is also an act of courage. Dedicating time to prioritize self-exploration and growth is an incredible gift to yourself. I believe in a shame-free, co-created space where warmth, empathy and humor are encouraged. We will use authenticity & curiosity to examine the parts of your life that don't align with your vision for yourself. By connecting with yourself ...
I know first hand how trauma can affect someone and their family. As a Hurricane Katrina survivor, I also know how utilizing help can heal, restore, and give one's power back to become resilient and pay it forward. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor with 13 years of professional development as a therapist. I love what I do and would love to instill hope and provide tools to l...
I hope with all my heart that your life is working just as it should. I hope your life is full of wonder and joy, friendships and family, fulfilling work, and a promising future. As much as I may hope for it, and as much as you may wish for it, sometimes this just isn't happening. Sometimes unexpected, painful, and difficult events occur, leaving you feeling beaten up and broken. If this is whe...
I am highly interactive and collaborative and depend on a strong relationship with clients that builds trust and encourages individuality and personal development. I believe in the power of change and also the strength within each of us to make those changes. I want people to feel empowered to live life to its fullest and to find happiness through purpose and connection. I hold hope while you f...
Deciding you need therapy can be a tough process. I want you to feel safe to explore emotional issues that feel overwhelming to you. I believe the counseling relationship should be one where you and I form real connection-and that this connection is where the foundation of healing can begin. If you're not feeling the connection with me, please don't give up finding therapeutic help! A good fit ...
I grew up in Sulphur Springs, and I trained at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marriage and Family Therapy. I know that sometimes we all encounter grief and hardships, we feel lost and alone, unable to navigate the next step. You may try multiple avenues to find relief, talking to friends or family, seeking help in books, and often none of it seems to provide any lasting results. Your plans don'...