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

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...

Tyler Grant Daly

Los Angeles

California

Whatever your unique experience is that brought you to seek therapy, I know it has taken multiple attempts and a whole lot of courage. We all desire to be seen and affirmed in our journey to uncover our authentic self(s). It may feel as if there just isn't enough room to allow your whole self to show up, and this creates anxiety and/or depression. Regardless if we are aware of the negative...

Katie Ament

Seattle

Washington

I'm a Seattle-based counselor, working primarily with adult individuals and couples of all kinds. I believe counseling is a resource that can help people live more meaningful and authentic lives. I offer a non-judgmental, candid, and curious approach as I support you in your process of healing, self discovery and acceptance. I particularly enjoy working with issues of anxiety, relational confli...

Elizabeth Rastberger

Saint Louis

Missouri

My approach balances genuine compassion and understanding with direct feedback that gets right to the heart of the matter. There is no judgement with me, and you can feel safe to talk about anything. I work with people that are feeling "lost" or "stuck", clients pre/post-abortion, LGBTQA+ identifying, and clients in non-traditional relationships . Whether you need to vent about your dissatisfyi...

Red Rock Counseling

Las Vegas

Nevada

Bringing affordable therapy services to the Summerlin area, Red Rock Counseling consists of like-minded therapists who want to change Las Vegas for the better - establishing a safe place to work through life’s challenges. We value differences and a diverse practice, servicing clients from all backgrounds, communities, and walks of life. We work collaboratively to teach clients the tools they ne...
***Rebecca is not currently accepting new clients*** My work as a therapist and behavior analyst centers around my passion for supporting client’s during some of life’s most difficult times while helping them find solutions they may have not thought possible before. Whether there is a high amount of family conflict, disruptive child or adolescent behavior, a recent divorce, or other life events...

Maria Gomez Soler

Atlanta

Georgia

Sometimes it feels as if we lost our way; our closest relationships are a constant source of conflict and loneliness, and we struggle to find true connections, clarity, confidence, hope, and peace. It does not need to be that way. You can be seen and loved for who you really are, and you can count on yourself and others through the ups and downs of life. I enjoy guiding people through that jour...

Jenna Krauter

Brooklyn

New York

I work with clients of all ages to promote expression, processing of emotions, self-awareness, and holistic wellness. With training in humanistic and relational approaches, it is of utmost importance to me to form a partnership with my clients. Given whatever concerns we are addressing, I am flexible in choosing different tools and techniques we may bring into our work together. I believe that ...

Christopher J Russo

New York

New York

As a researcher and clinician, Chris believes in the transformative power of human relationships. Chris maintains therapy is best when there is a mutual dialogue. As an active and engaged therapist, his clients grow through their own corrective emotional experiences. Whether working with individuals or couples, his warmth and creativity are complemented by straightforward communication and a...
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS VIA TELEHEALTH*** Life can be wonderful and amazing, and also difficult and scary, at any age. I enjoy working with children, teens and adults who want to work through issues related to attachment, trauma, anxiety, depression, and general life stressors. We all need a safe space to explore our tough issues--a space where we feel heard, validated, and valued by another...
Hello! Whether it be depression, anxiety, relationship problems, stress, parenting issues, work/life balance, or transitions in life, I am here to assist you and to provide you with a safe space to explore your current issues and challenges in life. I believe in a collaborative therapeutic process, that includes open, honest, non-judgmental, and empathetic interactions. Helping you process,...

Desiree Polonis

New York

New York

With the modern world comes modern problems. Do you feel your problems aren’t valid? They are. Current life stressors on top of unresolved issues, no matter how minor they may seem, often lead to anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and unhealthy, self-destructive habits including substance abuse, behavioral addictions, and even mental health conditions. My mission is to provide support and validat...

Dominique Kundrat

Tucson

Arizona

People chose to come to therapy for many reasons, and all are valid. Taking the step to work on yourself, make changes, overcome obstacles, and enhance your life is a very big deal, and I recognize that. Coming into the door is the first step, and feeling comfortable and safe is important. I aim to make you feel safe when you are ready to open up and begin the process. I will work with you to...