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
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...
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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...
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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...
I have experience working with a variety of ages and concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety, pregnancy loss, couples counseling, eating disorders, adolescents, grief and loss, trauma, parenting and co-parenting, and adjusting to life changes. I have worked with people from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. I generally use a client-centered...
Finding the right therapist is important. I approach therapy in a warm and relational way, and believe confidentiality and non-judgmental responses are crucial to creating a safe and trusting space. I know it can be hard to open up and start the process, so I make sure my client's feel comfortable to talk about the hard things and share about themselves authentically. Many of the situations I h...
I can help you. We all face moments where life breaks down. Where what we’ve always done no longer works, and we wake up tired, anxious, hurt, angry, numb. [Sometimes we suffer or despair. Sometimes we are just confused.] Or maybe you know that who you’ve been being isn’t who you are, & it’s frustrating because you can’t quite figure out how to just be yourself. As a result our relationships ar...
ICA is a group of dedicated mental and behavioral health professions who offer counseling and substance abuse services to adults, children, couples, and families in a supportive environment. Our providers are highly qualified and experienced professionals who treat each client with compassion, dignity, and respect while helping each to work through areas of concern. We believe that help begins...
