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
Our lives are complicated and often stressful, necessitating juggling multiple roles, responsibilities and internal as well as external conflicts. Clients may be dealing with so many challenges, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating), relationship problems, career uncertainty, family conflicts. Whatever the issue, the important factor is the willingnes...
I am devoted to working with individuals, couples, and families alike. Utilizing a systemic approach, I collaborate with my clients to build a picture of their preferred selves and future. I hope to take a step into my client's frame of reality to understand the challenges that they may be facing and offer new perspectives. Together, I work with clients to help them see what they would like to...
I bring an authentic, compassionate, straightforward, and collaborative approach to my work with clients. I believe in the power of genuine connection as a strong motivator for change. I aim to provide a trusting and supportive environment, in which clients feel comfortable and cared for no matter the circumstances. I believe offering education and supportive guidance are critical elements of t...
I love being there for people in their time of greatest need. Often when someone comes into therapy, it is precipitated by a crisis of some kind (ie depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms). I see crisis as an opportunity for growth. It is a time to go inward and reflect on what is not working. The therapeutic relationship is the vehicle that can transform whatever we uncover in the crisis. It is ...
Monica is often described as very “real” and genuine as she uses candor & humor to help clients feel comfortable and engage in the therapeutic process. Using a direct yet compassionate approach, she empowers others to identify their strengths, needs, and goals to improve their quality of life. Monica has nearly 15 years of experience providing mental health services for individuals, groups, and...
Multicultural counseling, trauma, anxiety-related disorders, anger, couples therapy, and parenting of teens. Using individual and group counseling, I help you to build better lives. Learn to feel, think, and engage life in ways you've always wanted. You are capable of making the changes you want to see in your life, but everyone needs help from others, and that can include the help of a trusted...
No matter what brings you to therapy, the troubling areas in your life have many layers and many causes. We will work together to relieve your distress while also looking deeply beneath your symptoms to understand them and transform your life. If you are interested in long lasting change, more fulfilling relationships, and a more mindful way of living, then lets get started....
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with offices downtown and North Chicago. I am a generalist, meaning that I have experience working with individuals, couples, and groups dealing with a variety of challenges. I have experience in a variety of settings ranging from outpatient therapy to inpatient and residential treatment facilities. In my current practice, I primarily work with emerging adu...
Finding a therapist is a profoundly personal way to begin the process of addressing whatever problem, obstacle or issue you're facing. It's my belief that it's not that you have "issues", but rather how you respond to them that's important. I am committed to working together to find an approach that's right for you with the ultimate goal of helping you find better ways of coping with the...
How can I help you? These are stressful times and can be frightening and isolating. Please reach out. I am here to listen and help you to experience more joy; and less anxiety and depression. Let me help you navigate through life transitions; such as divorce, retirement, empty nest , job loss and the loss of a loved one. I use a strength-based model. My specialty is grief and loss. I am...
It would be an honor & a privilege to help facilitate your return journey to health, wellness and self fulfillment. I'm a clinical Social Worker who specializes in Addiction & Recovery, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety. As a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator of over 10 years I have extensive experience working with families in crisis, especially care givers facing "sandwich generation...
Entering therapy is a bold, brave commitment to examining your life as it is and creating the life you choose to live. As a therapist I use a variety of modalities to assist you in reaching your particular goals. Cognitive behavioral therapies are effective for treating a variety of issues and insight-oriented therapies are better suited for other issues. You and I will map the therapy course...
I am a clinical psychologist with expertise in treating addictions, eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, body image issues and difficulties with emotion regulation. I teach skills that increase life satisfaction, happiness, self-confidence, curiosity and gratitude. When life doesn't meet our expectations or painful situations occur, many people become self-critical and fight against...
Are you a twenty-something? Are you experiencing huge changes in your life right now, with work, dating, family, and friends? Do you feel stuck or lost? Are feelings of anxiety, shame, and overwhelm getting in your way? As a young adult, you know that this time of life can be one of the most difficult and painful times we face, as we're challenged to answer huge questions about who we are, and...
My approach to therapy allows clients the emotional space to examine situations without identifying as the problem themselves. It creates key exploratory distance between self and guilt or shame allowing for curiosity rather than judgment. I strive to elicit an experience that is empowering and illuminating. This is useful if you are seeking resources as a member of a couple or family where fea...
