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
People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons. Perhaps you struggle with unwanted behavior patterns or difficulties in your relationships. Maybe you’re challenged by overwhelming emotions or struggle to know what you’re feeling at all. Or maybe you’re having trouble adjusting to new circumstances or making a big decision. These problems in living and many others may respond well to...
During this time of uncertainty and rapid change, it's important to stay connected, self-aware, and grounded. I'm available to help you process changes and challenges, and to find balance and perspective as you experience and learn to better manage stresses around the "new normal" of our daily lives. Counseling is a process of building relationships, and for the past 30 years, I have been build...
I earned a PhD in Marital and Family Therapy with a minor in Psychology in addition to a Master's degrees in behavioral science. Having practiced for 34 years, doing over 51,000 sessions in my career, I have accumulated extensive experience in working with individuals, couples, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, anger and grief, along with the stresses of everyday life. As a...
Therapy is a wonderful vehicle that transports you from where you are to where you want to be, if you are willing to engage in change. I have a listening ear, a compassionate heart and the desire to help you conquer your greatest challenges. I believe the best therapeutic relationship is one where you, the client, finds your voice and develops into your best self. I specialize in helping...
Deep connections sustain and heal the human spirit. When we are deeply connected to ourselves, our values, our story, and our inner workings, we can thrive. When we are genuinely connected to others, to family, and to community, we can flourish. Often, however, disconnection and fracture prevent the kind of thriving that might be possible. Through my therapeutic approach, I aim to work...
Amna believes in a ‘no one size fits all’ approach to treatment. She truly recognizes and utilizes each client’s unique strengths as a catalyst to develop insight and change into their lifestyles and perspectives. Rooted in a Person-Centered Approach, Amna believes establishing rapport and allowing her clients to feel safe and validated fosters a deeper level of empowerment, personal growth and...
My passion is helping each client become the expert of their life by changing their beliefs, thoughts, attitudes, patterns, & behaviors. I hold space for you by meeting you right where you are & I gently guide you back to your inner wisdom as you reclaim all the parts of yourself that you may have lost or have not trusted. I am able to easily sort out what faulty belief systems and patterns are...
Relationships can be a powerful source of fulfillment to draw from in our lives. Miscommunication, old patterns, unrealistic expectations and daily stress sometimes step in, preventing them from providing that happiness and strength. Therapy can break down barriers to improve communication, decrease conflict and increase emotional and physical intimacy. I specialize in the respectful treatment ...
When it comes to your life, *you* are the expert. I aim to take that expertise and provide a space where you can challenge and confront yourself on beliefs that are no longer serving you. My therapeutic focus is on relationship issues, anxiety, identity development, family of origin concerns, and transitional periods in life. My work includes reality based, emotionally-focused and...
Congratulations for reaching out for support and taking the first step towards the life that you want to create. The world that we live in can be challenging, and sometimes we need help beyond our families and social circles. I use a strengths-based approach to work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and eating disordered behaviors. ...
As a body-inclusive psychotherapist, I believe that we have within us everything we need to heal and grow, and that safe, supportive, and collaborative relationships help us to tap into our innate systems of healing. My approach is compassionate and person-centered, as I support people in developing their capacity to better navigate difficult life experiences. Whether focusing on overall emotio...
I am passionate about personal growth & connecting deeply with my clients. I have a virtual practice and see clients face to face via ZOOM a HIPAA compliant platform. I love that virtual therapy gives both myself & my clients the opportunity to stay connected even while living active & busy lives. Support is a necessity in life & I have found that working virtually has been the best option for ...
I work with preteens, teens, and adults and offer evening and weekend appointments to fit into a busy work or school schedule (evening and weekend spots fill quickly and are not guaranteed!) We all have a story. I hope to help you to keep writing your story if you feel stuck or just want a fresh set of eyes. I use an approach that blends mindfulness and behavior change techniques to encourage...
I have a private practice in San Francisco, CA. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families utilizing an integrated approach to psychotherapy. I have experience in Integrated Family Systems IFS); Relational Life Therapy (RLT); Family System Models; Interpersonal Neurobiology: Attachment-Based Family Therapy; Substance Use and Stages of Change; and treat a wide range of clini...
We are at a time where compassion towards self is more important than ever. Life is overwhelming and complicated. Maybe you "have it all" but feel like something is missing or you are having issues communicating your needs. Many struggle with the idea of having symptoms of depression and anxiety internalizing the symptoms with being "crazy". I am here to remove the labels and have individuals b...
