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 approach gives attention to dreams and fantasies, as well as to ways in which experience is raced, gendered and classed. With a background in poetry and psychoanalysis, I value the unconscious, its beauty and resilience. Therapy can be a chance to be listened to more closely than you ever have before; a chance to feel heard. Held by this hearing, you can think and say things you haven't been...
Are you getting lost in the self-care hustle? Are bubble baths & staycations not charging your batteries? Oftentimes, one-dimensional self-care approaches do not fully honor the complexities of our human experience. That's where therapy enters the scene- the ultimate act of self-care. It provides a space to explore our neglected needs, reclaim ourselves, build ourselves back up. I believe that...
Reaching out to a therapist can be a daunting task. It is difficult to make changes and break unhealthy patterns and anxiety and depression can feel crippling. However, most people find that it is worth it because therapy can play a large role in helping individuals lead happier, more productive lives. We all face challenges but with the proper support, your challenges do not need to define you...
I enjoy working with teens/adolescents, adults, and couples. Common issues with teens: ADHD, grief, self-esteem, bullying, divorce, depression, anxiety. Adult issues: relationship/marital/family conflicts, infertility, spirituality/finding life purpose, work/life balance, perfectionism, career, anxiety, and depression. My goal is to help clients discover & develop their own talents and strength...
I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a rich and meaningful life and therapy can be a powerful catalyst for change. I consider it a privilege to accompany others on their journey to well-being and strive to create an empowering and non-judgmental space that supports development. My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and I don’t hesitate to effectively and...
Have you been questioning your sense of self and want to explore what that means for you? Want to explore your gender and sexual identity in a safe and affirming environment? Experienced sexual trauma and want to move toward a state of healing? Life is full of joys and challenges and we can sometimes feel overwhelmed, isolated, and alone. I help by providing an empathetic and affirming environm...
Having a difficult time right now? Freaking out? I am here to help. In addition to my typical client base, I am accepting and working with clients who are struggling with anxieties associated with the on going coronavirus pandemic. Whether you are struggling with your children being at home all the time, or if you just seem to be feeling the blues due to social distancing, I am here to help! I...
My primary experience is in working with individuals and couples to heal relationship wounds, recover from trauma, and find new ways to interact with life’s most stubborn issues. My ideal clients probably have really tough problems, and they may be hurting very deeply, but they are also ready to try on new thoughts and behaviors to find healing and their "new normal." I work with those sufferin...
Do you feel like your life is out of control or that you get angry or cry at the smallest things? Are you struggling to sleep because your mind won't shut off? Do any of these words resonate with your current circumstances: end of life stress, conflict due to your sexual orientation, addiction, or trauma? If you are facing challenges that are preventing you from living your life to the fullest,...
Our lives--and the lives of our loved ones--are so often challenged by issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, anger, loss or grief. And we are often so pressured by the demands of every day life that we struggle simply to get through each day. While our relationships with others are usually our greatest sources of love and support, they are often the sources of our deepest pain. Through...
Often in the pursuit of happiness, we are so focused on a destination that there is little joy in our journey. We work so hard to attain career, relationship, degree or professional aspirations that the outcome is not worth the personal sacrifice. The loss of excitement in our dreams can be diminishing and frustrating, taking the magic and excitement out of life. Therapy can help demystify how...
I love to work with individuals, couples, and families of all ages and from all backgrounds. I use a person-centered approach. I specialize in treating adolescents and young adults for depression, anxiety, PTSD, abuse/assault, eating disorders, ADHD, gender/sexual identity, financial stress, autism, relationship issues, addiction, etc. I am also certified in the Positive Parenting Program (PPP)...
The Corona Virus has drastically changed our lives and we are now living a "new normal." If you need help navigating an emotional surge due to unexpected losses such as routine, social life, income and possibly more, then please contact me. I work with solution focused and reality approaches that help you work through challenging times. If you are feeling depressed, experiencing high levels of...
**My practice is full (11/25/2020).** Welcome. I offer support to adults and adolescents in their process of cultivating insight, deepening self-awareness and making purposeful change. I believe we all have the power to heal from within. My approach is engaged, empathic, and curious, and I strive to create a space that is warm, collaborative, and open. I have over 12 years' experience helping...
