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
Life naturally comes with many challenges--especially in the current state of our world. It's common to feel stagnant, unsure, anxious, and uninspired. Most of us are conditioned by our culture, family system, and life experiences to feel, think, and behave in certain ways. This is often times misaligned with who we truly are and as a result, our mental and emotional health suffer. I believe, w...
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I offer individual therapy for adults and adolescents, and specialize in working with women and teens dealing with the impact of sexual assault, childhood abuse, or other trauma. Other areas of clinical interest include relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, and identity questions. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that allows us to be deeply seen and heard, and to see...
Welcome! It is always the most difficult of steps to reach out for help. I am glad to be a part of your journey for understanding, acceptance and change. Working as a team, important changes in your life can be realized. Clients who are motivated to making positive changes even if they are not sure how they can achieve these goals are encouraged to call. Clients who come in questioning will fin...
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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...
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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...
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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...
