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

Gabrielle Bodzin

Los Angeles

California

I think that in many ways, mainstream culture opposes our aliveness. Our belonging suffers because of the narrow boxes prescribed to us. If you feel stunted, stuck, or like you can't get it together, I don't believe there is anything wrong with you; I believe that you've adapted to a context. As an embodiment-based, relational therapist with a neurobiological lens, I am here to help in the...

Lillian Farzan

Los Angeles

California

My ideal clients are individuals who feel marginalized in part due to systemic injustice. I am passionate about providing trauma-informed and feminist based treatment to individuals who may feel unwelcome among their own communities due to perceptions of their identity. I work with clients to provide clarity around topics such as racial identity development, lgbtq+ identity development, sexual...

Lili Nakita Kroutilina

Oakland

California

Are you struggling with low self esteem? Feeling stuck and overwhelmed in your life? Confused by how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? Wanting to really know yourself and live a life with meaning and purpose? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform yourself to be living the life you want. I believe I...

Jan Nadav

Denver

Colorado

ENDURING COVID-19 IS OVERWHELMING FOR US ALL. Our lives have changed so drastically in just a matter of weeks - isolation, job changes, school closures, social distancing, financial instability. It's natural to feel waves of anxiety, depression, fear, loss, worry during this time of collective crisis. These reactions and feelings don't have to hijack your sense of resilience and connection to...
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Neelanjana Mitra (Angie)

Madison

Wisconsin

Life is ever-changing and evolving in manifold ways. We all go through life changes and unforeseen roadblocks that create imbalance within our minds. It is quite empowering to seek out help when our inner self wants to “talk” and respect that need. This is where I come in as a vessel of support to aide in your journey of knowing your inner self and what challenges or changes you might be going...
If you struggle with Stress, Anxiety, OCD or OCD Spectrum Disorders (BDD, BFRD, Excessive Worry), or are in a relationship with somebody who does, you know that these difficulties impact not only the individual but also relationships with others. This is especially true in marital relationships, parent-child relationships, friendships, or even work relationships. Over the past 30 years, I have...
You 100% deserve a rich and meaningful life. I also know that anxiety, depression, fear, and painful past experiences can make this feel like an impossibility. Our brains can be pretty loud sometimes; You’ve been worrying about the future. You’ve been dwelling on the past. You have that little voice inside constantly pointing out mistakes and how you're not good enough. Your own brain is...
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I am dedicated to meeting people where they are at and helping them achieve their goals. I have experience working with children, adults, and families on a variety of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, parenting, behavior difficulties, and life stress/transitions. I integrate DBT/CBT and play/art therapy informed treatments into my work with clients. I am a licensed clinical social...
Let’s face it, COVID-19 has left you anxious, scared, and has turned your entire world upside down. You often find yourself worried about what’s next, what this world is coming to and how this “new way” of life will impact your life’s plan and journey. Your mind never turns off, you’re avoiding things you once loved and you constantly feel on edge. I get it and I’m here to help you work through...
I consider myself a “whole-listic” therapist as I utilize different techniques and approaches to meet the needs of my clients. My ultimate goal is to remove the stigma attached to seeking help, receiving support, and practicing holistic methods. I want to continue raising awareness about self-care and mental health to promote positive interactions with others. I am easy going and use my...

Adrianne Harkless

Chicago

Illinois

Square pegs and round holes; We spend a large portion of our lives wondering who we are and where we are headed. Trying to reconcile who we believe we are and what others want us to be. We experience shame about our identities and what we enjoy. Finding ourselves trying to fit ourselves into the outer expectations, only to find we feel less connected, less clear and less deserving. This is the...
Navigating the ups and downs of life can be challenging. It helps to have genuine and nonjudgmental support along the way. If you encounter a fork in the road of life and feel unsure of which path to take, counseling may help you explore personal growth and positive change. In our busy lives, it can be difficult to slow down and truly connect with ourselves, our values, and our understanding of...
Be True To You! I’m a generalist psychologist working with a lot of different concerns with a special niche in working with creative performers and entertainers! Are you a passionate, creative, business-minded, diligent, performer, entrepreneur, or want to explore your identity and potential to be more? True To You Psychotherapy & Consulting provides services for performers including those who ...