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

Lisa Couser

Chicago

Illinois

A down-to-earth, irreverent straight shooter, I prefer therapy to be free of pretense and to be a partnership. Together, we will focus on individual growth and healing rather than diagnoses or one-size-fits-all treatment approaches. If you are underinsured, have a prohibitively high deductible, or you just want to get help without going through your insurance, I may be a good match for your nee...
The circumstances that lead you to looking for a therapist can be overwhelming, and I'm here to partner with you through the pain and uncertainty. Whether it's a child or family member you're concerned about, family conflict, or your own mental health, I can help. I have provided compassionate care for more than twenty years to children and adolescents, families, and adults in both mental healt...
I am a licensed clinical social worker who thrives to provide a safe and therapeutic working relationship with all of my clients. Since 2000, I have worked in a variety of settings in both community and private mental health offices. My practice is geared toward finding solutions to address your underlying issues and accomplish goals we identify together. Therapy is one of the greatest gifts yo...

Naomi Painter

Portland

Oregon

Many of us are unaware that we are carrying around the echoes of traumatic experiences in our lives. Unacknowledged trauma can contribute to feeling ill a lot of the time, or compulsively collecting things in our homes, or end up making our career and relationship decisions for us. I am especially passionate about working with women's issues and assisting those in helping professions mitigate t...

Ambrose Fulk

Phoenix

Arizona

I am a therapist working at the Phoenix Wellness Center. I utilize a combination of trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with both adults and adolescents. I provide both long-term and short-term therapy that is targeted toward the reduction of undesired symptoms and the improvement of your mental health and wellness. I am a directive clinician that...

Juliana Breeden

Nashville

Tennessee

Hello! My name is Juliana and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in Nashville, TN, where I offer individual, couples, and family therapy. I am passionate about bringing hope into the lives of those with mental health issues and distress in their relationships. Whether a life transition has you feeling anxious and unsteady, or relationship problems are all consuming, I am committed to creating...

April Carlson

Salt Lake City

Utah

( English | español ) Have you lost interest in what used to bring you joy? Maybe you feel numb with shame, worry or grief. Something is wrong and it is holding you back from a balanced life of contentment. Your very own inner critic has a hold of the microphone and will not be quiet! When your body is not at peace, sensitivity to the disrespect and cruelty of others can become unbearably painf...
You are more than your label, your gender or sexual identity. Therapy is a space where we can explore what makes you you and work to use your unique strengths and passions to create a life that you enjoy, moving out of harmful patterns and into a full expression of yourself. I work with you to heal the physical and psychological effects of trauma and develop new skills to break free of painful...

Rachael Bain

Indianapolis

Indiana

( English | español ) United and Self-pay only. ///YOU ARE CAPABLE OF HEALING. YOUR MIND AND BODY ALREADY HAVE THIS ABILITY. Do you feel anxious? Exhausted? Depressed? Like giving up? Sometimes we get stuck. We feel like we are just going through the motions. We get tired of having bigger reactions than a situation seems to warrant. We are tired of repeating the same solutions with no positive...
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! I enjoy working with a wide variety of people, and I believe that providing effective treatment is unique to each individual. I believe that kindness and compassion are essential in establishing meaningful connections with clients, a playful nature is important to have with younger populations, and nonjudgment is paramount. I generally approach therapy from a...
Happiness often feels as if it belongs to everyone else. The steps you've taken seem to only go backwards, no matter the intent. Difficult situations and regretful choices trap us in hopelessness. You feel lost even though you feel as if you've been down every path. You are ready for something to change. My specialty as a systemically trained therapist is to give couples and individuals the too...
I offer a practical, nonjudgmental approach to those wishing to address difficulties or distress in their lives. My objective is to assist clients in meeting their goals through a process of consideration, collaboration, and resource-building. I utilize evidence-based therapy techniques to facilitate growth and insight. Additionally, I incorporate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing a...
CSRC is a collaborative of Sex Positive multicultural therapists with a range of identities and life experiences. We are experienced and trained to work with a variety of life, mental health, sexual health, and relationship issues. Working with people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Specialty issues include: Infidelity/ affairs; Poly/ open/ consensually non-monogomous...

Christine Frampus

Saint Louis

Missouri

Life can be hard. Whether it’s dealing with unresolved trauma, changes in family dynamics or simply the stress of everyday events. Navigating these challenges can be overwhelming, especially when you try to do it on your own. That’s where I come in. I have spent the last ten years working with clients of all ages on everything from self-esteem to grief. I am passionate about working with...