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
Shana works with college students, youth and adults. She specializes in college/career adjustments, women’s issues, identity development, perinatal mood disorders, parent adjustment, depression, anxiety, shame, perfectionism, general life adjustments, and childhood/ complex trauma....
Thank you for making it this far, you are stronger than you think. I specialize in working with individuals, teen, couples and family therapy. My specialities include treating depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, parent/teen treatment, mother-daughter relational dynamics, mood disorders, sleep disorders, trauma, oppositional defiance/behavioral issues, sexual identity, bi-racial struggles an...
How do we find our center in an anxiety-ridden world? How can we use this time to unearth our true potential? How do we release emotional pain and trauma still lingering in our past? When navigating the self I am inventive and curious. I give my clients a warm, soft place to land. Together we discover awareness that shines the light on the abundant possibility of healing. My office is a safe,...
Life doesn't come with instructions. We make the best choices we're capable of, and still at times we find ourselves feeling powerless within our circumstances. In these moments, we may require guidance to navigate the course or even to decide which course to navigate. Therapy, in my view, is a partnership where you are empowered to discover your strengths to meet life's challenges. To this aim...
We all want to do well. Sometimes challenges get in the way. We need to learn new skills for getting through life's challenges, and sometimes we need a guide. I am empathic. I listen. People have always naturally opened up to me. I empower clients to make the choices needed in order to improve their lives and live by their values. I am dedicated to giving options and assisting you to choose wha...
My name is Orly Gal, licensed family therapist, mother of 4 living in Cresskill, NJ. I specialize in, individual, couple and family therapy. My therapy sessions apply a combination of empathy, insight & optimism to help my clients reach their full potential, enhance their happiness and well being. I treat all age ranges including kids and teenagers. I'm using a variety of therapeutic models...
Sometimes difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences can take us away from the life we want to live. It may not seem clear how therapy can help. I provide a non-judgmental and secure space where, together, we can clarify your goals and develop a treatment plan. My approach to therapy is grounded in evidence-based clinical practices. Combining behavioral and mindfulness-based modalities,...
I am a clinical social worker who enjoys working with individuals and families. I believe strongly in the power of the therapeutic relationship to facilitate growth and change in our lives. There are times in life, we may find ourselves presented with situations that find us confused, frustrated, anxious or, grief stricken. At times like this it can be helpful to seek therapy so that we may sor...
I see counseling as a collaborative and dynamic process in which you and I come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define the present problem, situations, and concerns, develop future goals for an improved life, and work in a systematic fashion toward realizing those goals. I focus on child and adolescent clients with social and anger management concerns, among...
I believe therapy is an act of self-discovery and self-love. I work with individuals to foster resilience through identifying patterns, connecting with parts of the self, exploring past experiences and their relation to the present, and integrating compassion and authenticity into one's life. I provide a safe space to explore issues and find new ways of interacting in the world. My goal is to...
I like to think of therapy as a time to gain perspective. I think people can gain a "bird's eye view" perspective of their own life from therapy. Most individuals that I have helped come to therapy because they are "stuck". Maybe, they are stuck in the same behaviors or thoughts happening over and again. Maybe, they are stuck in the same situations, a pattern of anxiety or unhappiness. Therapy ...
Are you ready for a change? Are you feeling stuck in the same patterns and stress over and over? Are you searching for more meaning and purpose in your life? Let me help you accomplish your goals. I specialize in doing personal growth work that can help you discover what makes you truly happy. Find freedom from old anxieties, unrelenting depression, old habits and past hurts. I can support you ...
I enjoy working with teens and adults, providing support around life transitions, identity issues, and creating and maintaining healthy family, peer, and romantic relationships. I help clients navigate feelings of ambivalence, self doubt, and anxiety, and together we explore new approaches when old methods of managing personal problems aren't working. I have clinical experience with...
Life seems intense, scary, or stressful right now. Fear, anger, and resentment are familiar emotions. Your parent/boss/spouse just doesn't get it and you don't know how to explain it to them. Perhaps you're questioning your identity, coming out to your family or to your child(ren), experiencing separation/divorce, ready to transition, or coping with loss. You want a safe place to discuss and le...
When struggling with depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, or other mental health concerns, it can be overwhelming to begin the journey of therapy. Luckily, the most difficult step toward change is the first one. Once dedicated to the therapeutic process, we can work together to achieve your personalized goals toward wellness, and positive change in your life. At Healthy Minds Thera...
