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

I am a psychotherapist with clinical training influenced by relational and systems theories. I hold a stance of preemptive radical inclusion to create experiences that involve all clients’ identities in the room.  I enjoy working with individuals, partners, and families to develop meaningful connections in their relationships, improve self-advocacy, and explore identity. My background includes...
Hi! My name is Beth Mancini and I am the Owner of Bella Mente Counseling in Woonsocket, RI. Bella Mente has EIGHT wonderful counselors with years of experience. We are warm, friendly, non-judgmental and TRULY LOVE what we do- which is to help you!! We have male and female counselors. We have English, Spanish and Chinese speaking counselors. We are open 7 days a week from 9am-9pm most days! We h...
***Practice is full, please email to reserve spot on the waitlist*** I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. I work with a wide range of clients from many different backgrounds and serve children, adolescents, adults, and families. I enjoy working with people from a person-centered and solution-focused approach, working to first develop ...

Betsy Strewler

Seattle

Washington

I hope to support you in creating the change you want to see in your life. You might be considering therapy because you are experiencing problems in relationships, working to manage overwhelming emotions, contending against inequality, or navigating transition and loss. You might find yourself feeling that a part of you is stuck, or you may be driven by a motivation to understand yourself bette...
We warmly welcome you to our psychological private practice located in Westlake! We appreciate how difficult it is to take the first step in this journey. Our mission is to provide a safe space that is warm and inviting, where healing can occur. Some of our providers offer evening, weekend and telemental (online video platform) appointments. We do our best to schedule initial appointments as so...
**CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** I believe healing occurs within and through trusting relationship(s). As a clinician with an education background in social work and psychology, my goal is to help individuals, parents, and families process barriers, organize emotional chaos, and develop communication, relational, and coping skills to live a functional, whole, and happy life. I have...

Jaimi S Martin

San Diego

California

Life brings challenges that leave us feeling overwhelmed, lost, and a little stressed. We all can use support and guidance during these rough patches in our life. I get that. In my practice, I offer another way of looking at these obstacles, rediscovering your strengths and welcoming your vulnerabilities. My approach to healing is warm, and compassionate. Using modalities like humanistic and EM...

Eliza Davis

New York

New York

Eliza takes an empathetic approach to her practice, which allows her to establish deep connections with her clients. She supports her clients by giving them the necessary tools to improve their emotional well-being, allowing them to build confidence and make positive changes in their lives. Eliza helps clients who are experiencing self-doubt, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and life...

Lauren Nicole Mason

San Diego

California

Specializing in couples and adult individual therapy. At times we might find ourselves feeling stuck and even crippled by past events. Recognizing that the past is actually present in every moment of our lives can help us move through these roadblocks into a flourishing future. Facing painful experiences with mindful and proven therapies can help us turn vicious cycles into virtuous ones, and...
I have been in practice as a licensed therapist for over 20 years and have experience with many issues. I appreciate the honor that my clients give me when they allow me into their private worlds to help them heal and grow, to set goals, and to do and become all they can dream....
Do you ever feel like you are wearing an emotional mask? After another long day of pretending, you break down, realizing how lonely you are & feel like nobody even cares. You have friends but you feel like you have no one to talk to about what is going on in your head. You feel stuck. You feel isolated. You want to feel safe, seen & heard. I provide an environment that feels supportive,...
Life is difficult right now. I would be honored in being able to support you in promoting psychological wellness, including experiencing more joy, gratitude, fulfillment, and authenticity. I have substantial experience and expertise in working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and their families. I work well with those experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, mood,...

Andie Mistler

New York

New York

Things may be going wrong, but there is nothing wrong with you. When we’re struggling it can feel like our pain is unique, that nobody could understand. We fear that sharing our darkest thoughts will leave us feeling alienated and rejected. Instead of reaching out, we try to fill the emptiness with food, substances, or perpetual busyness, only to find ourselves anxious, ashamed, and more alone...
I am currently on a waiting list for the next 6 weeks and cannot accept new clients at this time. I enjoy counseling individuals with a focus on personal growth, social connections, and wellness action planning. I typically work with children, youth, families, and adults at better managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, and family conflict. I utilize eclectic approaches...
Are you feeling anxious, stuck, or even misunderstood? Many of us feel the loneliness of this day and age, and some life experiences leave us hurt, frightened, or traumatized. It is my job to walk with those who have been feeling alone in their journey and process these events together. My aim is to ensure progress in all areas of your life through empowerment and healing. Together, we can...