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
My clients come to therapy struggling to understand themselves and their partner, leaving them feeling hallow, lost, and alone. They desperately want to feel secure in themselves and connected to their partner, but are confused and wary about how to begin changing. As a therapist, I meet this dilemma with warmth and compassion, as well as knowledge and confidence; this combination is the base o...
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Dr. McQuinn is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a licensed Marital and Family therapist. Dr. Anna McQuinn has been a Tenured Professor of Notre Dame de Namur University where she has been chair of the Clinical Psychology Graduate Department since 1987. She has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of San Francisco graduate Psychology program. Currently she is a Professor...
Relationship stresses, life -changing events, loss, feelings that are difficult to manage or challenges becoming the person you would like to be are some of reasons people choose to enter into therapy. The keys to a successful outcome include a good fit with your therapist as well as the willingness to take risks. I believe that the therapy relationship is a powerful healing tool, empowering...
We all experience anxiety, depression and interpersonal stress at one time or another. Often, we are able to cope with these experiences on our own or with help from our loved ones. When our pain persists despite our best efforts, we turn to someone with training and experience for help. Research and tradition teach us that sharing our painful experiences within the context of a supportive and...
It can be a bit challenging reaching out for help, but I would be honored to provide the therapeutic support in your journey to wellness. I provide therapy with a solution focus and strength based flair. I believe you want to be the best version of yourself you can imagine. As your therapist, together, we can work through obstacles which are challenging at present. I offer compassion,...
**teletherapy available, call or text 661-524-5404** The difficulties of everyday life can sometimes become overwhelming. When on top of those difficulties we add the stresses of illness, anxiety, depression, our identity, our love lives and more-we can easily feel burdened to our breaking point. We just don't feel heard. Sometimes these situations can linger for months or years, making it hard...
I can be most helpful with clients who want relief, who are struggling with life changes, or who want to focus on personal growth. Symptoms can include anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I bring to the process understanding, encouragement, and clinical practice skills attuned to your needs. At times it is important to seek assistance and support in coping, making changes, or finding...
Are you struggling in the areas of body image, maternal issues, or trauma? I work with "all things maternal", meaning I work with women at all life-stages; maybe contemplating motherhood or feeling ambivalent, struggling with infertility, experienced a pregnancy loss/miscarriage, expecting mothers with or without depression, anxiety, or birth trauma, women who decided not to have children, wome...
Are you feeling overwhelmed, like your mind is betraying you? Like you’re having trouble focusing on the simplest things and are barely holding it together? Does it feel a little bit like you’ve lost yourself & can’t figure out how to get back to who you were? Are your loved ones treating you differently or telling you to go talk to someone? Does it feel really scary to consider getting a...
Are you ready to make a change? My goal is to provide support, empathy, and accountability to help you on your path to a more satisfying life. You are stronger that you may realize. If you are ready to make a change and begin unlocking your amazing potential, send me an email or call me! Empowerment is found in making healthier connections that foster growth, change, and life-long learning. I h...
I provide individual therapy services to adolescents and adults. Therapy is an active process of change. My role as your therapist is to guide and support you in strengthening your sense of self and personal power to make changes in your life. I strive to create a highly collaborative working relationship founded in respect and honesty. I practice a variety of evidenced-based techniques, taking...
Any individual, couple, or family making the decision to embark on therapy has made a brave step toward growth and change. Once rapport and safety is established, giving the self permission to be raw and vulnerable is what I strive for with clients. Feeling safe to explore discomfort and navigating different means of communication is at the heart of my work. The approach of curious exploration ...
Finding a therapist, someone you don't know but need to be honest and open with, can be difficult. I want to listen to and get to know the real you, free of judgment, so I can better help you. I have experience with a wide range of disorders with patients of all ages and backgrounds. I believe the best way to deal with life's problems is by gaining a better understanding of the problem and...
CANVAS HEALTH IS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS of bringing hope, healing, and recovery to the lives of people we serve. We achieve this by helping children, adolescents, adults, and families who struggle with mental illness and substance use disorders. Our clinic in Bloomington has a special focus on caring for the mental health of children, adolescents, and families. Our services and programs: 1) Early...
