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
I specialize in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma (childhood trauma, such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse or neglect, and adult trauma such as abuse, rape, accidents, and natural disasters), including all trauma-related conditions, such as PTSD, eating disorders, substance abuse, and cutting. I also specialize in separation and divorce, including negotiating and managing...
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process rooted in a trusting, supportive relationship. It involved play and celebration as much as it involves discomfort and struggle. We will work together to create a sense of safety that allows for exploration of vulnerabilities, recognition of strengths and understanding of patterns in your life. Change can be difficult even when we know it's needed, and my...
I am a clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I provide child, adolescent and individual therapy. I provide support for developing coping skills, improving self-esteem, managing relationships, working to resolve family issues, and overcoming life's obstacles. Whether you are seeking a healthier lifestyle or dealing with the unexpected I can help. I special...
As an Internal Family Systems trained therapist I support your deepest connection to all parts of yourself. When we feel connected, we can more easily show up to life's challenges. In our work together: increase self acceptance, integrate past trauma(s), debunk old beliefs, show up for life transitions, encourage self activism, and live freely in your unique and precious life. If you're at a lo...
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and charting a new path can seem difficult alone. I focus on empowering you to make decisions and changes that help you identify and achieve your life and career goals. I will collaborate with you and support you as you work to overcome past or current challenges, explore new opportunities, and find new perspectives. Though you may be struggling now, you can...
Often, individuals feel like they have no where to turn when their relationship with loved ones has been strained. I have effectively treated individuals who have been affected by a variety of emotional concerns and challenges, ranging from clients who have suffered severe trauma to people who struggle with depression, stress and anxiety. I empower my clients to resolve negative behavior patter...
Are your thoughts worrying you so much that being asked to make seemingly small decisions feels overwhelming? If you are someone being impacted by anxious feelings and loneliness, please know, being understood is a reasonable and realistic need. I invite you to give me a call or send me an email, together we will explore ways you can reduce stress, reduce anxiety, and increase the odds of getti...
I have been working with eating issues for about 20 years. I am a licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist. I understand and treat the underlying issues that fuels disordered eating. I will teach you how to work through feelings and help you to understand the deeper meaning as to why you're using eating/restricting/ compensatory behaviors through the language of metaph...
Psychotherapy is an opportunity for you to be deeply listened to in an environment of acceptance and respect. My approach is founded in western psychology layered with the wisdom and practices of yoga and shamanism. A typical therapy session will feel like a very intentional conversation rooted in inquiry, the purpose of which is to support you to move past brain/mind, the terrain that you alre...
I am a change oriented therapist and would like to support you in finding new solutions to old problems. I am part of a group practice that provides individual and group DBT, and I have experience working with addiction/alcoholism, trauma, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. My other passion is parenting and pregnancy as I ran a parenting program for 12 years. I understand the stresses facing pare...
As we age the way we experience the world may change. Struggles, such as chronic illness, body image concerns, and stress with care giving can be a burden to bear. Specifically, aging and sexual concerns can leave a person confused and wondering where to turn. I have both a Masters in Social Work and a Doctorate in Human Sexuality. My efforts in leading and promoting care within senior centers,...
Many of my patients come for help with anxiety or depression stemming from relationship, parenting, and career problems. Some need help in understanding the impact of a painful childhood or present day demands of a dysfunctional extended family. Others are dealing with separation and divorce, a loss which is difficult to grieve, or illness in themselves or a family member. In sessions, I strive...
Sometimes we get stuck in ways of thinking, acting, or feeling, that aren't useful to us anymore. It can leave us dissatisfied, depressed, unfulfilled, nervous, or disconnected from others. At times, it can get so dark, it's hard to remember the light. We all have our own way of healing, and in our work together, we will find what's right for you. The therapy I provide is grounded in compassion...
"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen."--Brené Brown. I look forward to helping you discover how to live life in harmony with your values. I trust my clients as experts in their own life, and I'm confident our work together will help you identify, resolve, and accept life's challenges. My primary theoretical orientation is ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I have ...
We have a fundamental human need for connection. And yet feeling connected can be difficult. This is especially true at times of transition in our lives: good, bad, and otherwise, change is stressful! I work collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families to re-establish connection in the face of such transitions as a new job/career, marriage, parenthood, children becoming adolescents,...
