What is Feminist Psychotherapy?

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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

Jorge Chavez

Austin

Texas

( English | español ) I am a Provisionally Licensed Psychologist. I know that we often believe that we must tolerate or suffer through our current circumstances, as we are often unaware of our full personal potential, as well as the role we play in limiting our growth and progress. Peace of mind and a sense of purpose are essential elements of life that one must deliberately work towards. Dr....

Tex Gibson

New York

New York

Specializing in LGBT/Kink/Poly/SW populations, I have extensive experience engaging with people across the spectrum of sexual orientation, gender expression, and power role identification. I provide a holistic, non-pathologizing counseling and sex therapy experience for individuals and partners that celebrates the diversity of consensual adult sexuality, identity, and relationship structures. M...
I have been a professional counselor for 23 years and have worked in a variety of settings: private practice, community mental health and residential. I bring a wealth of experience to the counseling session. I assist my clients in improving their lives by teaching coping skills, providing a sounding board, facilitating greater insight, offering psycho education and knowledge of community...

Valerie Capili

New York

New York

I’m a therapist who supports individuals in their life journeys. I aim to provide a non-judgmental and safe space for you to process thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In our work together I hope to help you navigate any stressors, challenges, and/or difficult dynamics you are facing. It can be helpful to identify how these stressors are affecting your mind, body, and spirit, and how it fits...
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Alex Sobieraj

Brooklyn

New York

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Rebecca Gerstein

New York

New York

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Life can become very complicated and overwhelming, but through therapy things can improve. I work with people at all different stages of life, from pre-adolescents to seniors. Helping people work through struggles in their lives. My hope is to help you identify your goals, be it concrete plans or changing your outlook on your situation, and gaining control of your emotions. Through our work I h...
"My hope is to help you through the journey by coaching, encouraging, challenging, and supporting you through your next transition. I believe in having an open, authentic, and solution-focused relationship with you. I am passionate about helping you achieve your goals, regain control, and build trust that you can make the changes that you want. We all lead busy lives and it is important that yo...
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I enjoy working with clients of all walks of life. Clients present with a variety of different issues, but all humans want to live full and happy lives, with dignity, respect, and on their terms. Helping clients develop greater insight about themselves and the world in which they live is central to their overall well-being and success. Empowering individuals to recognize and live up to their fu...
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