Is Feminist Therapy Right for you?
Therapy that Centers Women
If you’ve found your way here you’re probably curious what Feminist Therapy is all about and I’m so glad you are.
Often when I tell folks I practice Feminist Therapy they say something like: Oh, I didn’t know that’s a thing. How cool!
So first let me say … it’s definitely a thing. Just like other therapeutic approaches, the Feminist Therapy framework was developed to address needs that had not been met by existing therapeutic models - in this case, the needs of women.
Feminist Therapy came about in the 1960s. Earlier approaches to psychotherapy primarily centered the experiences of white, Cis-men, putting women (and other marginalized groups) at a higher risk of being misunderstood, ignored or pathologized. Ahem, Female hysteria.
Second, I’ll share I’m super proud to be a feminist therapist and work with the clients I do. I truly believe that Feminist Therapy creates a safer, more empowering container for women and girls to heal from wounding that has kept them feeling bad and playing small.
I love supporting women in reaching their own goals and being the biggest, brightest versions of themselves. The world needs them.
What sets Feminist Therapy Apart from other approaches
Focus on Strengths/Resiliency: In Feminist Therapy we’re not putting all our energy into the problem a/o diagnoses. We’re also identifying and fortifying each client’s strengths and inherent resiliency. In this way, Feminist Therapy is a trauma-informed approach.
Embracing Intersectionality: Feminist Therapy recognizes that individuals are shaped by multiple intersecting identities, including but not limited to gender, race, sexuality, class, size, and ability - in other words, the whole person.
Collaboration Between Client and Therapist: Traditional therapy has often perpetuated power imbalances between therapist and client, with the therapist assuming the role of the expert. Feminist therapy encourages collaboration and respect between therapist and client. Clients are encouraged to take an active role in their therapy and decision-making process and therapists are encouraged to be transparent and authentic.
Addressing Systemic Oppression: Feminist therapy recognizes that individuals' mental health is not solely determined by internal factors but is also influenced by the world in which they live. By acknowledging the harm created by systemic oppression and discrimination, feminist therapists can help clients navigate and resist oppressive systems while fostering resilience.
Taking Social Action: Beyond the individual level, feminist therapy is also concerned with broader social change by challenging systems and behaviors that cause harm. Outside of the therapy room, therapists may also engage in advocacy and community organizing.
Support for women’s healing, growth + Wellness in California
Feminist therapy will look different depending on the individual therapist, that’s always how it goes. We’ll have different vibes, work with different folks and different concerns.
My online therapy practice, for example, focuses exclusively on the experiences of self-identified women and teen girls in California. I consider the relationship between client and therapist to be one of the most important factors in successful work together.
I offer online feminist therapy specializing in the treatment of anxiety, and trauma, as well as reproductive mental healthcare which includes psychotherapy for women navigating the emotional impacts of perimenopause, menopause, PPMD, PCOS and pelvic pain.
During Feminist Therapy We may also Address Issues Including:
Self-esteem / Self- worth
Relationships
Body Image
Identity and Intersectionality
Childless by Choice
Discrimination and bias
Creative Blocks and Recovery
Spirituality and recovery from religious trauma
Exploration of life’s work and purpose
Sexuality
Self-care / soul-care
My therapy practice is holistic. I utilize talk therapy, expressive arts therapy, somatic interventions and spiritually-integrated therapy. As well, I utilize evidence-based practices including DBT, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing.
Closing Thoughts
I believe personal healing is a revolutionary act. I say it often. And in these (continued) turbulent times, I believe it now more than ever.
If you think Feminist Therapy might be right for you, I’m here to support. Here are a couple of steps to move forward …
Schedule a free initial consultation here
Of if you have questions … Let's chat.I’m happy to answer any questions you have.
Also please know there are directories where you may seek out other feminist therapists in your area. Inclusive Therapist and Therapy Den are two great places to start.
