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

I provide a client centered approach that is compassionate with a judgement free zone that empowers you to make the changes in your life that you desire. I am simply a guide and supportive entity that helps you create your new life. I have years experience providing services to individuals struggling with mental illness, addictions and transitioning from the prison system. I am very diverse and...

Maryrose McMahon

Los Angeles

California

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Bello Ahidjo

Chicago

Illinois

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Cristina Camaras Lieberson

Chicago

Illinois

I specialize in treating generalized anxiety, social and performance anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, complex PTSD, depression, attachment disorders, attachment issues in romantic relations, body image issues and low self-esteem. Additional focus chronic occupational stress, academic success, career development. I have an extended and diverse experience in therapy. If you are a mental health...
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Kathleen Cogan

Houston

Texas

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A. P. Carmichael

Saint Louis

Missouri

Relationships are part of what makes us human. We thrive when connected with others. I am passionate about helping people create and maintain healthy and loving relationships. I work with couples, families, and individuals and have strong experience working with LGBTQ clients. I make it a priority to create a safe space for all of my clients. It is through this atmosphere of acceptance that we ...
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I utilize my 13 years of counseling experience working with diverse populations from school age to adult to help clients make meaningful changes. I specialize in working with adults suffering from anxiety and depression, adjusting to life changes as well as substance use issues. Previously, I spent many years counseling college students in the university setting. I enjoy working with young adul...

Judi E. Turner

Houston

Texas

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I specialize in therapy for children, pre-school through adolescence, and their families. I also work with a broad spectrum of adults and couples. I combine therapeutic play, mind-body and brain-based therapies, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help children better understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. My work with adults is solution focused to help you better...
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