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

Diviya Agrawal

Brooklyn

New York

I am a kind and empathetic psychotherapist who is deeply committed to supporting you through change, growth, and healing. My goal as a therapist is to help you explore, experience, and process emotions in a safe, nurturing therapeutic space. I provide a non-judgmental environment where together we can identify your needs and gain insight into your healing process. I specialize in working with...

Anne-Marie Lindquist

Chicago

Illinois

My clinical experience is centered on working with adults from diverse backgrounds who have survived chronic, complex, and/or community-based trauma. I work well with clients who are interested in exploring and constructing meaning from their life experiences. I am adept at helping clients with dual diagnoses work through life’s challenges to find healthy ways of coping through harm-reductive...
** I am currently not taking any new clients.** I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for counseling adolescents, teens and adults who are experiencing challenges in their life related to anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjusting to life stressors. I have experience working with clients from various racial, ethnic and gender backgrounds to help identify their own strengths and...
I believe that all people have within them the capacity for healing and that courage and strength are discovered when people are allowed the space to express and release their emotional baggage. I believe that it is vital that I provide that space for each and every client. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and years of experience assisting children, adolescents and families...

Katie Leask

Seattle

Washington

You don't know how to help your teenager. They are irritable, moody, and anxious, but every time you try to talk to them, the conversation ends in an argument. You can see how much they are struggling with friendships and school, how much they want to fit in, but they just won't listen to you. You want your teen to feel happier, to communicate their feelings in a healthy way, and talk to you mo...
I provide neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy for adults. Specialty areas include motivation, depression, anxiety, trauma, post-concussion syndrome, TBI, aging, and cognition. My style is empathic and supportive. I meet each person where they are, and provide recommendations/treatment that incorporate their home life, culture, and individual abilities. I am here to support clients a...

Kristen Nelson

Fort Collins

Colorado

Kristen brings a sense of calm and genuine attention to each session; allowing you to feel welcomed and at ease. She ensures that your individual needs are cared for within a thoughtful and compassionate space where you will to be heard and understood. Together, you and Kristen will uncover and bolster your unique strengths that will empower you to both heal and thrive. With the acknowledgement...
Whether a child, adolescent, teen, or adult- life can present its own sets of challenges. Oftentimes, these challenges evoke feelings such as anxiety, anger, self-doubt, lack of control, shame, guilt, and sadness. Yet, for some individuals it may show up as physical body pains or unexplained changes in behavior. It can get messy, right? My goal is to hold a space where clients can gain more...
I love to work with clients who are interested in growth and progress. I love Thich Naht Hanh's words "No mud, no lotus" and to me this means that without our difficulties, we can't reach our true potential. I would love to help you see and reach towards this potential that you possess. I have worked with clients with various difficulties, including but not limited to: eating disorders, disorde...

Sophia Slote

Brooklyn

New York

Therapy provides an opportunity to wonder about experiences, emotions, and desires that we may not otherwise have space to explore. This process can deepen our insight into the impact of personal history on our current behavioral and emotional patterns, allowing us a greater sense of self and choice in our life and relationships. I am mindful of trauma at all levels, and pay attention to how my...
Accepting new OHP clients but only in DESCHUTES COUNTY. I offer live and/or tele-health sessions. I offer compassionate and non-judgmental counseling to help expand your ability to make desired changes in your life. I also offer therapy to help you understand yourself better. I specialize in suicide prevention, trauma, unresolved grief, anger, personality disorders, anxiety, depression,...

Jennifer Wischmeyer

Brooklyn

New York

I work well with marginalized populations and those who find themselves on the edges of dominant culture for one reason or another. I like working with people who are interested in healing and who are open to challenging how they react and cope. Your issues may include complications or dissatisfaction with relationships, intimacy, and communication; with internal struggles regarding your sense ...

Erica Sanborn

Los Angeles

California

Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Are you dissatisfied with or disengaged from your life and relationships? Or do you just feel like something is getting in the way of living the life you really want? Therapy can help you understand why these difficulties arise and help you discover what you can do to cope with these challenges now. I use a collaborative relational approach to...
I facilitate counseling from a holistic approach, using a variety of integrative therapeutic approaches. Difficult experiences and challenges deserve thoughtful and perceptive attention and I will help you identify inner strengths, create new self-awareness, build positive personal relationships, and healthier ways to move through adversity with a sense of wholeness and emotional stability. I...
Are you tired of that voice in your head that’s telling you that you’re broken and crazy? Are you struggling to move forward after a toxic or controlling relationship? Have you ever felt betrayed, hurt, or taken advantage of by a loved one? You are not alone. Destructive, controlling relationships can leave us feeling disconnected from our friends, our families, and even ourselves. Left...