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
It is important to me that I offer a safe, respectful and confidential environment for clients as they process challenges in their lives. I believe that every individual has the ability to recognize their internal self-worth, which external factors often impede. I believe in focusing on the person as a whole, with attention to the emotional, physical, and spiritual components of wellness. I hav...
If you're looking for a safe and supportive environment to work through challenges and heal from trauma, you're in the right place. During the last 10 years of providing therapy in Missoula I have worked with adults, children and families. I'm passionate about helping clients process their current or past struggles. I have helped birth, foster and adoptive families who are parenting children wi...
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My hope is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space to offer you the opportunity for self-growth, self-reflection, and develop ultimate balance within yourself. My practice is psychodynamically informed and inspired by a belief that properly guided therapeutic work can provide a sense of freedom when we are motivated and willing to make brave changes. My priority is to build a strong therapeutic...
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Do you want to be more of an author of your own life story as you navigate problematic emotions, thoughts, and patterns? I focus on empowering you to find your voice and explore the stories that shape identity including culture, sexuality, gender, spirituality, loss, and other ways we make sense of our world. I enjoy creating a warm, supportive space focused on increasing positive emotions,...
I believe in creating a safe space for a collaborative therapeutic experience. I tailor my therapeutic techniques and approaches to each individual and their specific life experiences and needs. I work with individuals and couples, adults and adolescents on a range of issues including: overcoming depression, anxiety, and mood disorders; adjustment issues and life transitions; gender and sexuali...
Connection is key. To be understood and feel connected are integral parts of relationships. Clients come to me when they feel lost, overwhelmed, lonely, frustrated, angry, sad, and confused. Some may want something but don't know how to get it, how to ask for it, or worthy enough to receive it. Others aren't sure what they want, and need help gaining clarity. My role is to walk with my clients ...
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