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
Sziga is a perceptive and nuanced therapist with a refreshingly frank style. For over 25 years, they have been working with individuals, couples, and families to foster personal growth and satisfying relationships. They have a way of making clients feel comfortable, understood, and at ease — like no matter what you say they get it and don’t judge you. And they're funny. Sziga is well-versed wit...
Evalie Horner is especially passionate about supporting artists and writers, trauma survivors, and the LGBTQ community. As an undergraduate during the late 1990s, Evalie helped to pioneer C.U. Boulder's LGBTQ studies certificate, one of the country's first programs of this kind. She has several publications in the field of LGBTQ studies, including a book chapter on counseling bisexual clients....
Do you feel depressed, anxious, or stressed out all the time? Are you wondering what to do about your high-functioning but unhappy day-to-day? Then therapy may be the answer to increase self awareness and reflection, to practice more effective coping skills regularly, and to feel better quickly. Learn to transform your emotional pain and suffering into long-term positive change. Clarify your...
I believe that for counseling to be effective, both you and I must be actively involved in the goal setting and assessment process. This process will require in and out of session work for both of us. At times these changes in self perception, insight, and behavior may feel uncomfortable for you but, with practice, will become more routine. There are potential risks as well as benefits when...
I believe that individuals go through challenges in life and often are searching for ways to cope with those challenges. I believe in empowering clients to make the best decision for themselves. I believe in meeting the client where they are while assisting them in developing, enhancing, and changing aspects that are pertinent to them. I support and encourage the client to express themselves in...
"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters to what lies within us."( Ralph Waldo Emerson) I believe there are a variety of channels which can facilitate one back to their inner wisdom, supporting shifts in self compassion and empowerment. As a Mindy Body Therapist, I am dedicated to providing tools which help one access their own internal resources. I bring a unique...
As an integrative therapist, I draw from different psychotherapy orientations. This allows me to tailor therapy to your needs and allows for a truly collaborative process in deciding where we go and how. Since successful therapy depends on a strong relationship between client and therapist, my first priority is nurturing that bond by creating a safe and supportive environment. I believe therapy...
If you are ready for change in your in your life, therapy is a great catalyst! I am an integrative therapist and utilize a variety of modalities tailored to individuals', partners', and groups' needs. Some of these include: mindfulness, somatic, CBT, DBT, brief psychodynamic, existential, humanistic/person-centered, and relational. I am a generalist clinician working with a range of presenting...
Wanting to make positive changes in your life? Ready to overcome limiting beliefs, strengthen self-acceptance, and live more fully in the present moment? I look forward to walking with you on your personal journey to living a more fulfilling life. My name is Jamie Downs and I am a LICSW and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor providing psychotherapy services and individualized addicti...
I specialize in working with women, young adults, LGBTQ populations, nontraditional families, and developing clinicians. My approach to psychotherapy is collaborative and existential, and I incorporate a variety of treatment methods as appropriate, including cognitive-behavioral, process-experiential, narrative and solution-focused strategies. I strive to create an environment in therapy where...
I believe that some of the important ingredients of therapy are trust, connection, genuineness and respectful dialogue. I believe in understanding the complexities of my clients lives and help them 'de-bug' themselves so that they can continue to be in thriving relationships. Healing can happen in all sorts of ways depending on my client's beliefs and I believe that talk therapy is not the only...
What is the purpose of therapy? I believe it helps people understand what they need from themselves or their loved ones, and how to ask for it. It's often necessary for people to understand why they stopped using their voice to ask for what they need, or to find out if they ever learned how to use it. Through unconditional support, non-judgment, and caring confrontation, my intention is to help...
If you have found yourself at a crossroads in your life or relationship, then I am here to help. I am an individual, couple and family therapist specializing in trauma healing, self-esteem, and transitional difficulties treated both individually as well as in the context of a couple or family. I use a strengths-based approach to therapy and believe that people are geared toward healing and grow...
"Out beyond wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field, I will meet you there.." --Rumi I am a warm, compassionate therapist, transformational coach, and teacher of the arts. You will be seen and heard with loving kindness and light heartedness. Laughter is healing and humor is an important part of my creative methodology. I will guide you to creatively arrive at contentment and authenticity or...
Debra Ament is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LCPC) and certified Life Coach providing experiential and mindfulness based walking therapy, as well as teletherapy, located in the greater Annapolis area. Walking therapy is a joy! Sessions can address recovery, addictions, co-occurring issues, behavioral health, family systems, life transitions and life coaching. Life Coaching methods...
