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
As an LPC intern, I provide a person-centered approach to help individuals learn about themselves in different cultural contexts. Individuals deserve to sit with a counselor who is not merely accepting, but more importantly, non-judgmental. I believe people’s identities are ever-changing and that counseling has the potential to help support people through life changes and mental health...
If you are experiencing family conflict, relationship challenges, or career disappointments resulting in anxiety/depression, substance use issues, or mental health situations, let's talk. I specialize in couples therapy, adolescents with challenges like bullying or depression, life transitions resulting in feelings of loss and anxiety. I offer secure telehealth and/or Walk N' Talk sessions in t...
I work with a broad range of adolescent and adult clients. As a queer woman and trans ally, I value affirming and culturally sensitive practices with LGBTQ+ folx around navigating identity development, relationships, oppression, and trauma. I also work with neurodivergent folx and those that struggle with emotional communication. I am a trauma informed provider and believe in providing a safe a...
Roswell Counseling for Children and Adults started out as a solo private practice by Dr. D. Craig Kerley, PsyD, in 2003. Since then, the practice has grown to also include a Licensed Professional Counselor (his wife, Susan Kerley), and four Associate Professional Counselors. As a group, we strive to meet the needs of all ages and challenges in a warm and friendly environment. For more informati...
Coming in for therapy is a courageous and a self compassionate step in itself. I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy and that each person is an expert in their own lives and issues. Sometimes, due to stress, anxiety and other factors out of our control, it can be difficult to see a clear picture of one’s life and see where it is heading. Most of us get stuck in living out patterns th...
Hi, my name is Laurie Works (they/them/xe/xer). I like to begin with that because I acknowledge it is difficult to find someone who understands the queer trans experience. Further, I want you to know I am deeply committed to working from an anti-oppressive approach. As part of that I utilize the following perspectives: anti-racist, anti-colonial, queer and trans affirming and celebratory,...
Counseling is a place we can explore the many facets of being a woman and the many roles that we fill. This is a confidential space to confront challenges and general life issues that may crop up in life including but not limited to emotional eating, negative body image, stress and anxiety, poor self-esteem, depressed mood, and neglected self-care. We all face difficulties during our lives. And...
Anxious? Lonely? Uncertain about the future? Absolutely. In these unprecedented times even the simplest aspects of our lives have become chaotic. We have no blueprint or guide for how to manage our lives and minds during COVID-19. We can work together to restore equilibrium and create a sense of safety, calm, and control over your life using various evidence based treatments including mindfulne...
Do you struggle with asking for what you want, saying no, and want to feel more confident and empowered? Do you want to communicate with more ease and authenticity? Do you feel insecure or anxious in romantic relationships, or find yourself questioning your worth and repeating negative patterns? Maybe you’re aware of these things and you’ve tried to change but don’t know how. Maybe you don’t...
Many of us are facing overwhelming changes right now and are looking for a place to sort through it all. You may seek to deepen insight, heal, and make meaning of your challenges. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety, a major life transition, or difficulties in your relationships. You may also have lived with trauma or chronic illness and wish to have a space that's safe and free of judgment in...
Sometimes we can feel like we are settling for an unfulfilling life, yearning for freedom from the emotional pain that plagues us. We may feel that we are drowning in conflict, depression, and loneliness, as well as feeling scared and overwhelmed. Our wants and needs sound so simple, yet no matter what we do and what we try to change, it turns out to seem like it is just not that simple after a...
How can I help? Are you hoping for: feeling better than you do right now, inner peace, emotional healing, an improved outlook, a new paradigm, feeling listened to and a better understanding of yourself and/or others? I come to the therapeutic space with 20+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I trust the therapeutic process will benefit anyone w...
My goal in therapy is to offer a space for clients to feel understood and accepted and I believe the healing comes through connection. Building a collaborative, safe, and trusting therapeutic relationship is central to my approach as I help clients find meaning and purpose in their lives and develop healthier relationships with others and themselves. I recognize that each of us gets lots of...
Sometimes life creates change when we aren't ready. You may find that life transitions have left you feeling differently than you expected, or you're discovering things about yourself that you aren't sure what to do with. Sometimes loved ones change in ways that challenge us, and sometimes we grow and hope our loved ones will grow with us. Sometimes LGBTQIA+ identities have specific needs,...
