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
My therapeutic approach is rooted in my deep respect and genuine interest in people. Since I am an expressive and inquisitive person, it comes naturally to me to practice a style of therapy that is both interactive and eclectic. I offer insights, observations, suggestions, feedback, as well as attentive listening. I am adaptable and able to adjust my style according to what works best for the...
It takes a great deal of courage to ask for help! Most of us seek counseling because we feel caught in a rut, unsatisfied with the way our lives are going, yearn for more meaning and purpose, or feel unappreciated. I believe we have the power to create a fuller, more satisfying life by changing our self-talk messages, becoming more altruistic, and being mindful of all the blessings around us....
Now offering Telehealth! Are you unhappy in your life, or in your relationship with a partner, child, family member, or friend? Are you struggling with a challenging life transition, an unfulfilling job or with issues related to your personal identity? Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or experiencing depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol problems? Are you are ready to make some positive...
Have you experienced the death or loss of a family member or close friend? Have you experienced crime, such as sexual assault or sexual abuse as a child? Have you been harmed by parents, siblings, friends, people in authority, acquaintances and/or strangers? Crime, harm and loss can be traumatic and life-altering. It can feel like there is nowhere safe and no one to turn to or trust. My approac...
I am interested in working with a diverse client base, however have a particular focus in working with young adults. I enjoy working with individuals who are in the process of self discovery as is common for young people who are learning about themselves and making important life decisions. Also, I have a passion for working with the LGBT (and questioning) community. Helping folks who are in th...
An an integrative psychotherapist and wellness coach, I believe that you are already whole - just needing some support to help you uncover your own strength & intuition. Our self concept and functioning are influenced not only from thoughts, actions and behaviors, but from relationship with others and culture. We will work to uncover these roots and release patterns that no longer serve you. My...
I believe therapy is based on the relationship between the therapist and the client where the client is the expert on their own life. My goal is to provide a collaborative, non-judgmental space where clients can work to discover areas of their lives where they would like to change, grow, and gently uncover their true selves. Often, things arise in the therapeutic environment that are also...
Real change is possible, even when it seems as though all hope is lost. If your response to stress and conflict is overwhelming and causes you emotional and physical suffering, there is something you can do about it. Together, we will find out what communication and coping strategies can best help to improve your relationships and build a system of support that will nurture your mind, body, and...
My practice supports authentic living. I hope to join with persons and offer my understanding of where they are. Such genuine contact encourages awareness of possibilities that otherwise remain just out of reach. Relationship is central; foundations of healthy relationships include trust, respect, honesty and risk-taking. Persons I sit with commonly say I am supportive and challenging,...
From struggling to THRIVING. Become more fully "yourself." Enjoy relationship satisfaction. Strengthen connection to something bigger that is meaningful. Get relief from depression and anxiety (really!). Improve effectiveness at work. Feel more at home in your body, content. Mindful and present. LAUGH. Choosing a therapist that is both really good AND a great fit is important. There is a...
I believe that clients are co-creators in the process. Healing and growth occurs when we are willing to share openly and work towards developing an authentic, therapeutic relationship. I have experience treating past or current emotional, physical and sexual trauma, relationship issues, domestic abuse, mood disorders, infertility issues, eating disorders, substance use, women's issues & lifesty...
"At the heart of counseling is listening, the experience of being heard and accepted that enables growth and change" (Toller, 1999).There are times in life when individuals feel stuck, overwhelmed with life's challenges, and perhaps not knowing what the next steps are to make the changes we desire for a balanced and fulfilling life. I believe the individual is complex and unique, as is his or h...
I believe in individualized healing: that no two people are the same or have the same story. We will decide together what works best for you to improve your quality of life and overall health & wellness. I believe self-image, self-worth, and personal well-being come from the stories we tell ourselves and the identities we apply to ourselves. Addressing issues such as depression, anxiety &...
The sexual part of your life is not where you want it to be and you are desperate for change. You and your partner are worried that something might be wrong with you or your relationship. You don’t know where to go for help. This sexual issue is keeping you from being happy and you and/or your partner are depressed and anxious all the time. You think about this all the time. You feel like you...
My work is ideal for people who have a desire to understand themselves more fully, and who are interested in exploring stuck patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that cause suffering to themselves and the people in their lives. I work with clients experiencing anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and issues around identity, including sexuali...
