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
***** I am a tele-health only provider ***** I provide individual, adult counseling and couples counseling, focusing primarily on depression, anxiety, women’s issues, relationship problems, and weight/ body image struggles. I am an ally and sensitive to the unique needs of the LGBTQ populations. If appropriate or requested, I can augment treatment by engaging other treating professionals and/or...
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* I am currently only offering telehealth services.* I believe that success in therapy is based on the relationship shared between a therapist and their client. I approach counseling with the fundamental belief that we are all whole individuals - each of us unique; equally deserving of love, understanding, and compassion; and capable of making positive changes to achieve wellness. My goal is to...
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I am a therapist of color with 7+ years of experience as a Smith College Counseling Services staff therapist where I treat traditional-age students, Ada Comstock Scholars and graduate students and supervise MSW interns. My experience includes work in a community mental health outpatient clinic and as a crisis clinician in the Northampton area. I also provide clinical consultation to Smith Schoo...
Relationships are challenging! Negative cycles can leave you feeling confused, overwhelmed, unfulfilled, and hopeless. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe we all have the resources to work through challenging life events. I work with couples on improving communication and connection as well infidelity and sexual issues. I also work with individuals looking to heal from traumatic event...
Pursuing therapy takes courage, and it can feel intimidating to enter into a new space, without a clear sense of direction. I believe that the trust and relationship between us is the first step to a successful therapeutic environment. It is important to me that we take the time to build and foster a collaborative, safe, and supportive dynamic for you to explore, heal, and grow. Through our wor...
Are you experiencing uncertainty? Do you feel as if you have no one to talk to, or that no one will understand what you are going through? I can help. I provide a safe, warm environment where you can work through your issues, and gain insight into what is happening in your life. I will help you figure out what is going on, and provide support so that you feel that you are able to move forward. ...
Sharon has been a licensed clinical social worker for over 20 years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Family Life/Human Sexuality from Central Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. She completed a supervised clinical training program at the Loyola University Outpatient Sexual Dysfunction Clinic, holds a certificate in Sex...
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The health of an individual informs and inspires the health of the community. Are you or a loved one experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic irritation, grief and loss, fear, or stuck in a pattern that no longer serves you? I am a healer and psychotherapist with over 18 years experience serving adults, adolescents and families impacted by interpersonal, community and historical trauma. I am...
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