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
Currently doing teletherapy. Your needs and story are unique and your therapy should be too. Together we can find the right kind of therapy for you, to help you thrive rather than just get by. Whether you’re suffering deeply, experiencing relationship conflict, confused about who you are and how to be true to yourself, unable to connect with others, or bored and uninspired, I’d like to hear you...
I provide trauma-informed, socially just therapy to people of all genders. The lingering effects of living in a racist, misogynist and transphobic culture can manifest for many people as depression, anxiety, and panic. I see the connection between the external world and our internal experiences as central to the therapy process. Individuals as well as people in relationships of all configuratio...
*PRACTICE FULL 10/2020* Starting the therapy process is a sign of strength and vulnerability. I believe that we all have the power to create change in our lives by allowing ourselves to see ourselves and be seen by others in our lives. Together, we will explore the origins of your patterns of thinking/behaving/relating as well as the functions that these patterns serve, assess your barriers to...
I am passionate about providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I enjoy working with diverse cultural backgrounds, all sexual orientations and gender, and advocating for clients. I use an integrative treatment pulling from Humanistic, Systems, Trauma-Informed, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while incorporating expressive therapy techniques. I believe you a...
We've all experienced life's difficulties. Maybe you've found that painful memories have stayed with you and affect your emotional well-being and relationships. At times, you feel stuck in ruts and patterns that you have trouble changing. You're ready to move forward, but have no idea where to start or how to get there. Having a supportive space to process these feelings, memories, and...
I have extensive experience writing letters and coordinating care for gender diverse individuals undergoing medical transition. I enjoy working with all ages, the LGBT+ population, and am especially experienced in working with individuals experiencing autism spectrum disorder, gender dysphoria, and eating disorders. I identify as being social justice oriented and primarily conceptualize my clie...
The first noble truth of Buddhism is that being alive entails pain and suffering. By working through our problems, our fears, and our pain, we grow in our ability to experience compassion and connection with ourselves and others. It is a privilege for me to share in the process of overcoming pain and suffering with a person who is going through a difficult time. My work as a psychotherapist is...
Hypnotherapy is an incredibly effective, fast-working solution to many mental health issues. With hypnosis, I am able to help you break through mental blocks and resistance so that you can work in harmony with your subconscious mind. Learn to expect positive outcomes, feel genuine trust that everything is working out for you, and experience greater levels of wellbeing. My clients have overcome...
With 22 years of experience helping people through life changes, I am well equipped to identify the barriers holding people back and the steps needed to move forward. A first session can be very anxiety provoking for some, “opening the lid,” and letting things out that scare you (and maybe you wish weren’t true). I will help make it easier for you. I’m down to earth, professional and genuinely...
I am an integrative and holistic therapist, who invites shadow aspects of the individual and collective as tools for growth. I encourage genuine healing through mindfulness awareness, valuing emotional experience, cultural awareness, and curiosity. I utilize both verbal and non-verbal modalities, strong relational approaches, inquiry, body awareness, and when willing and serviceable to explore,...
If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, therapy can be a safe, non-judgmental, space to process your emotions and gain clarity on what might be contributing to your distress. I would seek to understand your unique situation and perspective, and we would uncover thinking and behavior patterns getting in your way. Whether it's having the tools and skills to cope with daily stressors...
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and that the client steers the direction. Internal motivation and a willingness to ask yourself the difficult questions are essential to success. The beauty is that the power lies in your hands at all times. I am happy to help facilitate the process and smooth the path along your way. I have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, rational...
Life is filled with many joys, but it is also filled with challenges and struggles. No matter your experience, I am here to let you know that you do not have to face them alone. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe, comforting, and non-judgmental space where you are able to share your story and feel supported, accepted, and understood. Through our work together, my goal is to help you lea...
Lisa Thaler, LCSW moved to Austin in October, 2019 after maintaining a private practice in New York City for the past 28 years. She received her BA from Amherst College and her MSW from New York University. She completed her psychoanalytic training at The Women’s Therapy Centre Institute, which is specifically known for its attention to feminism, gender and social justice, as well as contempora...
Whether your concerns are rooted in the past or present, together we can explore ways to increase your sense of well-being. If you are experiencing stress, a sense of overwhelm or find yourself looking to make changes in your life, I can support you on your journey of healing and growth. My clients come from a variety of backgrounds and commonly share a desire for change and growth in their liv...
