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 have over twenty years of experience working with individuals and families struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and relationship difficulties. I believe that the power of listening is even more important these days and that the best therapy is a true collaboration. We'll take the time you need to feel understood and develop a plan. You may know what you need or have vague...
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adult individuals, couples, and families. My areas of expertise and interest are with emerging adults dealing with the unique challenges of transitioning into adulthood, couples in conflict or for whom trauma histories exist for one or both partners, and professional women coping with balancing the many roles they occupy. If you feel...
You want to show up more fully in your life, foster healthy patterns, and release what doesn't serve you. You want to live your values, feel free to pursue your goals, and connect deeply with others. I work with individuals and couples who want to let go of the past, align with their true selves, and thrive in their relationships. It is my passion to empower people in discovering their own...
Are you sick of feeling overwhelmed? Does it feel like you keep trying to move forward and there's something holding you back? Are you tired of taking care of everyone else around you and never having time to take care of yourself? Have you tried to feel better, lose weight or workout and still struggle with being comfortable with who you are? If you answered yes to any of these questions then ...
I enjoy working with individuals of different ages, ethnicity, in need of individual, couples or family sessions. I believe that life is a journey, which at times, can be very challenging. Sometimes we find ourselves at a crossroads, trying to decide our direction. Staying on familiar paths can be easier yet repetitive and stagnant. Growth means change and following new paths, though unfamiliar...
Do you want to feel more connected to others? How about to yourself? Are things from your past getting in the way? Therapy allows for the time and space to focus on you. I believe all of us are capable of change, and therapy is one way to begin that change process. I work from an empowerment approach - in other words, I know that you are the expert about who you are, where you're from, and wher...
Therapy is a commitment to self-care. In most areas of life, our success or satisfaction often hinges on how effectively we understand and care for ourselves. I support those willing to lean into that work. This involves exploring obstacles preventing you from moving forward, in whatever realm. Therapy also helps improve self-compassion, which can provide one with greater agency over life, and ...
My guiding principle as a therapist is deep listening without judgment (acknowledgement plus acceptance) so that people can feel the freedom to express themselves, explore their experiences and create authentic connection. I believe that listening is an essential tool in healing and feeling valued. My approach is trauma-informed and client-centered, with an anti-oppression lens. I am committed ...
Supporting growth in self-awareness helps us lean into who we are, accept ourselves, and look at growth edges that may be painful or scary. As a therapist, I encourage my clients to achieve better ways of engaging with problems of living and improve personal well-being by expanding self-awareness and developing interpersonal communication skills. I practice from a clinical, Gestalt-oriented,...
I'm here to listen with empathy and help you through a difficult time, to help you with identifying negative thoughts and patterns, to collaborate with you and help you to pursue goals, and to provide education on ways to better cope and make positive changes in your life that will bring you to your higher, ideal self. Treating the following issues: codependency, relationships, self-esteem,...
Are you currently going through a major transition, or loss in your life? Do you feel paralyzed by old wounds or future based anxiety? Imagine what it would look like to heal and re-align with your inner power. It is my goal to collaborate with clients and guide them through whatever is keeping them feeling stuck. Together, we will work to help you step into your purpose and inherent self worth...
Are you pregnant and feeling nervous or down? Have you recently had a baby and feel overwhelmed, sad, or anxious? Are you struggling to adjust to becoming a parent? If you are experiencing mood swings, irritability and anger, anxiety from a traumatic birth or NICU experience, sleep disturbances, or worries that harm may come to your baby, I can offer support. Counseling and psychotherapy during...
Dr. Chris Donaghue practices general psychology & specializes in individual therapy, couples & sex therapy. His specialization includes addiction, sexual and relational work, trauma, sexual compulsivity, sexual dysfunctions, body image issues, and body positivity, including all gender expressions, sexual orientations, and Kink/Poly issues. Dr. Donaghue is a Doctor of Clinical Sexology and Human...
*Please note that I am not accepting new clients at this time.* Most of us, at some point in our lives, feel stuck, overwhelmed, angry, misunderstood in our relationships, and/or have experienced situations that have negatively impacted us. Simply by researching therapists, you have taken the first courageous step to making changes that will move you towards the life you want. I specialize in...
