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 a psychotherapist, I act as your collaborator, witness and guide, and bring curiosity and warmth to your exploration. Trauma, past wounding and internalized negative beliefs can make it difficult to know what you need from moment to moment. Therefore, in session, I support you in cultivating self-agency so that you may become familiar with what is right for you at a pace that is both...
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You deserve a counselor who meets you where you're at; who you can trust to help find the right way forward for you. You may have been looking for help for a while and have given up hope that things can be better. At A Way Forward Counseling, I strive to create the safe and equitable space that is necessary for growth. I use a collaborative, harm-reducing approach to assist in meaningful change...
I see clients on Saturdays and online. I have worked with a diverse clientele for over 20 years and appreciate their resilience. I utilize a trauma-informed, collaborative, strengths-based approach in partnering with my clients to tackle areas of their life where they feel blocked. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing with LGBTQ-affirmative, minority...
When I began learning about therapy, the first thing that stood out was this statement: “The client- counselor relationship is the most important criterion for effectiveness.” In my experience with Suicide Prevention, Substance Dependence, Transition Aged Youth in Foster care, and Individual & Family therapy I found the statement to be accurate. In therapy, I aim to build positive rapport with...
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I believe we are all renegades, worthy of living a life of liberated love. Our binary world makes it challenging to feel accepted, leaving us fragmented and hindering our ability to connect with ourselves and others. I strive to create a safe and affirming space for clients to engage and connect with their whole self. I am passionate about working with individuals, partners, and the LGBTQIA+...
Is your child slipping deeper into avoiding school, friends, or family as they become stuck in the cycle of anxiety and depression? Are you becoming frustrated and helpless as you try your best to reach them? I hear you! Using evidence-based interventions, I effectively and creatively use your family's strengths and resiliency to help your child get back on their feet. A specialist in parent-ch...
Dr. Cierra Barker is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Cumberlands, following completion of her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies from Eastern Kentucky University. She has extensive experience working in various mental health setting...
