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 delight in working with couples to repair troubled relationships & find a deeper, more secure connection with one another by helping partners bring their needs into awareness, share those unmasked parts, and transform old patterns of communication & interaction. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space, whatever your orientation, identity, ethnicity, or sexual preference. I meet my...
It can be scary to come out to your healthcare professionals, not knowing what kind of response you will receive. When you believe you must explain or defend your identity and culture, it can leave you feeling misunderstood or judged. This is why I have intentionally created an atmosphere where you feel safe and accepted exactly as you are. Since my own coming out, it has been my dream to provi...
I work with clients to help discover their natural strengths and gifts in order to develop better coping skills, overcome challenges and traumas, and promote healing, self-confidence, and enthusiasm in their relationships, work, and life choices. I also provide psychological evaluations regarding emotional and behavioral concerns, adoption and parenting issues, transgender matters, and...
Skills for Life offers therapy for children, adolescents, young adults, and the families that support them. We are located in Madison Valley by Cafe Flora and also offer HIPPA compliant telehealth. Call for a free 15 minute consultation to see if counseling can help your family. Sarah Fiskness is a licensed mental health therapist with over 20 years of experience in social services, education a...
Each human has reasons for the things they do, say, and feel. As we walk around in the world, some things work for us and some don't. I am here to celebrate what is working and guide you through the change of what isn't. I believe that you are the expert on your life, but at times things can become overwhelming and your true voice can become clouded. I'd love to help bring you back to a sense o...
I specialize in adolescents and young adults, as well as children ages 0-5. My ideal client age group is early adolescences, age 12 to 15, but I am experienced in working with children of all ages. I also specialize in treating trauma, addiction and attachment issues in both children and adults. I’ve worked with addiction & trauma for 20+ years, primarily with adolescents & young adults. I am...
I love working with adults with varying backgrounds doing crisis work or deep transformative therapy. I operate from a social justice perspective and believe that our environments and our many identities deeply impact our well being. Whether you're navigating an abrupt or difficult life transition, working through a past trauma, unpacking the state of the world, or just feeling stuck, our work...
My approach to therapy is relational and integrative. I believe that we all have a deep capacity for healing, but it can be difficult to fully access our inner strengths and resources without support. Together, we can uncover ways you are feeling stuck, and chip away at blockages that may have developed due to intergenerational trauma, early wounds, losses, and other challenging circumstances....
Anxiety and depression can hold you back because fear can stop you from making the positive change needed for creating harmony and peace in your life. I provide a confidential, non-judgmental, and accepting environment to process the influences of family patterns, personal history, and social expectations that may or may not match your authentic inner self. Together, we will find effective...
Rae is a bilingual (English, Spanish) art therapist working primarily with adult and teen survivors of violence, trauma, eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders and substance or behavioral addictions. Her work aligns with a person-centered, strength-based model of therapy, and she believes in the individual being the expert of her or his own story. Holistic, body-centered practices are...
I am motivated to help clients find authentic self-expression & new paths for growth. I bring experience in social services supporting clients in harmful relationships, building relational skills & enhancing safety. Being fully seen & understood is a uniquely liberating experience. My emphatic approach, warmth, and attuned listening help create a safe space where you can relax. As you become...
Our practice strives to help individuals, couples and families find improved emotional and physical health, along with enhanced pleasure, meaning, and purpose in life. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed and want to feel better? Have you experienced trauma or abuse and want to find healing and peace? Are you dissatisfied in relationships, whether with friends, family or coworkers? A...
I am licensed both as a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I also have extensive experience working with domestic violence and other women's issues. I believe strongly in each individual's autonomy and need for validation. Following 15 years of experience working with both men and women and addiction I understand the interaction of substance use disorder and ment...
"Empowering women changes the world" - Melinda Gates. I have been helping individuals (both men and women), families, couples, and groups for over 6 years. Though I enjoy working with various populations, my passion is supporting young adult women. Women's issues are oftentimes overlooked, misinterpreted, and minimized. This is why I focus on empowering women to better understand themselves, ex...
My approach to therapy is founded in the value of the therapeutic relationship. It is important that my clients feel heard and validated with a sense of security as they explore their experiences of both suffering and success. I believe that each individual I have the honor to work with is an expert in their lives and my role is to help facilitate a joint process of exploring solutions, skills,...
