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
Hello, I appreciate you taking a moment to read about me. I understand how challenging it can be to find a therapist that feels like a good fit. I earned my doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Roosevelt University and spent the last 8 years working and training in college counseling centers (e.g., School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Purdue, DePaul). I was drawn to the diverse range ...
Story, not facts, make up the world. Stories touch something that is human in us. The facts are, for example, that you may have experienced a great loss. You may have trouble getting along with your peers or are having relationship issues and you’re not sure what to do about it. The only way we can make sense out of life is through stories. They tell us about who we are, what is possible for us...
I enjoy working with adolescents & adults who have felt alone, disconnected, and/or like they don't belong; who have chronically found themselves in relationships that don't feel supportive and/or reciprocal & are seeking ways to shift their ways of relating and connecting; and who are experiencing chronic depression and/or anxiety & struggle with self-love. I am passionate about exploring the...
Perhaps no one can ever inhabit fully the lived experience of another, nor would I presume that I could know it, yet our therapeutic relationship can—without disrespecting the integrity of your lived experience—present the opportunity to take your perspective. I hope to imagine your experience because, as Carl Jung articulates: “Loneliness does not come from having no people around you but from...
I work with adults, young adults, teens, and their families. I specialize in working with teens and young adults who are transitioning from wilderness therapy or residential treatment programs. I utilize a relational based approach that incorporates evidence based practices such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), somatic/body work, motivational...
Testimonial from a former client: "Susan's approach to therapy is grounded in real neurological and behavioral science. With some past counselors, I've often been put off by vaguely new age "feel good" sessions that never sought to address the actual underlying illness. Susan has helped me to identify why I reacted or interpreted something in a certain way, and how to catch myself from repeatin...
You might be considering therapy to address a specific problem that is affecting you or your family in a negative or confusing way; maybe you want to understand more about the way you react to things, or talk about difficult or painful experiences. I understand it can be hard to reach out and I welcome any questions you have. I believe you are the expert of your own life, and I truly appreciate...
When people seek therapy there is often a need to understand who we are, how we relate to others and our role in this world. As your therapist, I will provide a safe space where you can uncover the experiences that have shaped you and brought you to where you are today. Together we will embark on a journey to reconnect you to your true self and increase your satisfaction with your life. I enjoy...
Our inner worlds are complex and influenced by a myriad of ever changing experiences, relationships and circumstances. Some of these factors highjack our security in who we are, the relationships we're in and limit our ability to authentically participate in our own lives. Therapy is an invitation into your own story in a way that deepens your imagination for who you are in the world. Developin...
We are all works in progress. People seek therapy for many reasons. For instance, you may be looking for a place to process stressful events or address relationship problems. You may be yearning to interrupt your unhelpful patterns and ways of getting stuck, in order to find a life forward direction. Therapy is your time to focus on yourself and it is my goal to accompany you on your journey in...
We each carry within us our unique wisdom, strength and resiliency that, with the right support, can become to the keys to our personal healing. Yet we all go through periods where life circumstances-- traumas, life transitions, and relationship difficulties-- overwhelm our ability to make sense of our experiences. Perhaps your reactions don't make rational sense to you or your loved ones. Mayb...
As a psychotherapist, it is very important to me to create a safe space where you feel seen and understood. I strongly believe that a compassionate relationship is truly healing, empowering people to make changes in their lives, especially in the parts where they feel stuck. It is my aim to work with you with tools that will help you reflect on and process your thoughts and emotions. As we expl...
I am certain that no amount of research or birthing classes can prepare a person for the challenges of parenthood. As a mother myself, I understand some of the difficulties that come during the perinatal time period. Having the support you need can make a positive impact during this unique time. In therapy you can find a nonjudgmental space for processing and support. As a therapist I hope to...
One of the most important things when establishing a therapeutic relationship is to foster a healing environment for clients and to allow clients to bring their full selves into a space. Counseling is a life changing experience, and to soak in all the benefits of being vulnerable and transparent, it is vital that you feel safe and secure. As a therapist, I welcome you to bring your full self in...
I’m very passionate about helping people, and celebrating their courageous strides. It takes courage to seek counseling, and courage to trust the process. I strive to create a partnership that is therapeutic in nature, and intentional in effort. It is with that intention, courage, and partnership that I assist my clients’ in reaching therapeutic goals, accepting and achieving growth, increasing...
