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
**TELEHEALTH THERAPY AVAILABLE** In response to current public health measures, I am offering short-term and ongoing telehealth services for all ages. I use a HIPAA-compliant digital platform that is private, secure, and confidential. Access therapy without leaving your house. Daytime and evening appointments available. I'm here to offer a safe space to explore whatever is on your mind. We are...
The decision to enter therapy can come from many different places. You may have realized that despite your best efforts you cannot get to the root of why certain patterns and behaviors repeat in your life, and you want help unraveling and exploring the forces behind this. You may have experienced a trauma or crisis that has exhausted the tools you have available to you. You may need a safe plac...
I am a generalist clinician who's passionate about working with individuals facing a wide variety of challenges. Life is complex and dynamic, as are the difficulties we face. I'm proud of the experience I can provide due to the complexities I've seen and successfully helped my clients navigate. I offer solutions-focused, time-sensitive, research-proven strategies for dealing with life's...
***I am currently not taking new clients.*** I specialize in working with folks who are looking to move past the past and manage emotions and mental health symptoms using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and more over secure video sessions. I focus on the treatment of...
Whether your trauma occurred in childhood, adulthood or periodically over the lifespan, I am here to help. Please know that everyone’s experience with trauma is different and so is the healing process. Trauma comes can be both big and small and we may not even identify our experiences as trauma. However, trauma can happen at any time in ones life and the impacts can slowly take over your abilit...
My clients are individuals, couples or families who want to improve their emotional wellness. They might be going through a challenging period in their life, may struggle with interpersonal relationships, conflict at work, or they may be looking to improve their marital or family dynamics. Ultimately, they possess the tools they need to improve their lives -- through therapy, we bring those too...
I’m constantly inspired by each of the clients I am privileged to serve, and I’m honored to play even the smallest part in helping them build a brighter future. My office is a safe, nonjudgmental space where Iowa children, adults, couples, and families can find the hope and healing they need to thrive. Together, my clients and I build the customized treatment plan that is the best fit for them....
You give, hoping to get the same thing in return, only to be disappointed yet again. This disappointment leaves you angry, frustrated, and annoyed. You find yourself in a cycle of constantly lashing out and then apologizing. You wonder, “Is there something wrong with me?” Being a woman in this day and age can be difficult, overwhelming, and draining. Trying to maintain healthy relationships,...
Do you have moments in your life where you feel, ‘stuck in time,’ or ‘in a feeling,’ that you just can’t seem to find the door to leave? Have you heard from others that, ‘you need to just get over it,’ but you have exhausted every attempt to do just that? Do you have sudden waves of emotions or feelings that seem to arrive, ‘at the wrong time,’ during your daily activities? Have you survived a...
For your protection, all visits are currently done via secure video conference. If cost is a concern, I have a sliding scale and want to help you get the services you need, especially at this challenging time. Maybe you want to strengthen your relationship with an intimate partner, are having difficulty adjusting to new parenthood or want to have a more fulfilling sex life after trauma. Perhaps...
Our bilingual Behavioral Health Practice experience enables us to offer individualized and effective outpatient and psychological care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples. Our treatment focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe...
**Accepting New Clients for Telehealth** I don't recognize myself anymore...Will this ever get better? Do other people feel this way? YOU are not alone, there is help. Searching for a therapist can be exhausting and overwhelming. Finding a great fit can make all the difference! I provide individual, adolescent and family counseling services with a focus on EMPOWERING my clients to make real cha...
**I have no available openings at this time** Let's make it easy! My name is spelled the Gaelic way and pronounced "Sheila". I have over 20 years of experience working with people experiencing mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I spent the first 17 years of my practice working with adult survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. I’m acutely aware of how our earl...
I have experience in addiction, trauma, suicidality, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders. I have worked with clients experiencing life transitions involving grief/loss, anger/resentment and feelings of social and personal anomie. I earned a Ph.D. degree in Psychology from Arizona State University (1989) and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling (2014) from Ottawa University. Before I ente...
I'm welcoming new clients now & can help schedule your first session within a few business days. As humans, we all have periods in our lives when we think, “things are not how they should or ought to be” and this may lead us to a place where we may not be feeling like ourselves. I genuinely believe that you, as a client, are the expert at your own life, but sometimes, even experts can use a lit...
