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 believe in the transformative power of an affirming, collaborative therapeutic relationship. I feel fortunate to be able to work with clients on their journey to self-acceptance, peace and well-being. Together, we will work to identify your strengths and formulate your desired outcomes of therapy. I maintain a strong commitment to social justice and advocacy, and I recognize the effects that...
More often than not, we can find ourselves cruising on autopilot amidst our busy schedules and various responsibilities. There does not seem to be enough time to take a pause and allow ourselves to “just be.” We may suddenly find ourselves feeling disconnected from others and feeling like we are not living our lives as fully as we would like to. I believe that we strive for a deeper connection ...
*Lenaya is not currently taking new clients* Lenaya is a life-long nerd. Fandoms and gaming are both languages that she utilizes in the therapy relationship. Just like these stories and games have goals, character development, and hurdles, so, too, does the human lifespan. Lenaya enjoys creatively using these interests in combination with Narrative, Art, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniq...
Going to therapy can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. The most important tool in therapy is the relationship between client and therapist. Building that relationship and a level of trust is the first thing we will do together. If you’ve gotten this far, you must be ready for change. Whether it’s unhappiness in a relationship, noticing a pattern or cycle you want to change, or feeling ready ...
Sometimes, life challenges can make us feel overwhelmed, lost, and alone, often effecting our moods, emotions, and behavior. I want you know that, you are not alone! I am here to help you live your best life. Whatever problems, disappointments, or life issues you are experiencing, there are workable solutions to them all. As your therapist, my goal is to help you return to your normal level of...
I believe everyone has a story to tell. Your story matters, and it matters to me. All of our stories are unique and different. How you think about yourself affects many aspects of your life, that you may not even be aware of. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space that is HIPAA compliant for you to for a therapeutic alliance that both of us create. It is your story and your place to be heard &...
Relationships & sex are both avenues for exploring the unconscious drives and desires that motivate us. I work with couples and individuals. I use a combination of self-inquiry and narrative therapy to help my clients connect with their sexuality and reclaim their birthright as fully developed confident beings. Tension or shame in your intimate life can impact your health, work, and other...
Holistic and creative counseling for families, couples and adults. Engage in a healing journey incorporating mindfulness, therapeutic yoga, breathing exercises and visualizations. Learn about how our relationships with others and our minds work together to create wellbeing. Enjoy a quiet and private location in downtown St Johnsbury....
I come to the practice of counseling after many years working in student services in a university setting. I find (as the research continues to show) that the most important element of effective counseling is the connection between client and counselor—we will work collaboratively. I draw on client-centered, existential, mindfulness, solution-focused, trauma-informed, and EMDR approaches. I am ...
I am a psychotherapist and breath work practitioner based in the SF Bay Area and offering services online throughout CA. I utilize integrative wellness practices to support my clients in releasing negative beliefs, processing difficult emotions, healing past wounds and cultivating a deeper sense of meaning in their lives. I work from a relational framework, meaning that I believe the authentic...
Are you living a life you're excited to live, a life that reflects your soul mission, or is there a bigger life out there calling your name? With my specialized training in energy medicine, nature-based spiritualities, and intuitive development, I offer a deeper therapeutic approach than traditional Western psychology typically allows for. In combining a psychospiritual approach with grounded...
I am very dedicated to my clients. I work in a reflective and empathetic style, and offer collaborative input toward their personal growth and self-compassion. I strive to build a welcoming partnership with them over time, in which they can feel safe to verbalize and explore their true feelings within a supportive and trusting clinical alliance. By gradually deepening their own awareness of...
I know it can be hard to find someone who understands. I know life can be hard and complicated. I know that navigating life off-map is scary, confusing, and exciting all at once. I’m here to help you find your way… As a queer identifying professional, I am a trans-affirming psychotherapist experienced working with binary and non-binary members of the LGBTQ+, polyamorous or non-monogamous,...
*CURRENTLY FULL-I will update when available* I am passionate about empowering folks to gain awareness into their own lives so that they can learn to support themselves while navigating life’s challenges. I strive to help people live in a way that invites deeper fulfillment and balance by harnessing their natural ability to cope with stress, emotional pain, and trauma. My therapeutic style...
I firmly believe there is a function to our behavior. Sometimes it's obvious, sometimes not. And sometimes, while our behavior made sense at one time, maybe even to the point of saving our life, it is no longer serving us. We're all just doing the best that we can but sometimes the way we're coping leads to highly negative impacts on our body, mind, spirit, & relationships. A wise mentor once...
