Feminist therapy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Feminist therapy is a set of related therapies arising from the disparity between the origin of most psychological theories and the majority of people seeking counseling being female. It focuses on societal, cultural, and political causes and solutions to issues faced in the counseling process. It openly encourages the client to participate in the world in a more social and political way.
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[edit] Shared concepts in feminist therapy
Feminist therapy has emerged from the recognition that much of human suffering is a result of the unequal distribution of power in society, particularly based upon gender, race and ethnicity, class, dis/ability, sexual orientation, and so forth. These power differentials have been a factor in direct injuries such as sexual assault as well as indirect ones such as limited options. A feminist approach implies a commitment to social change. The practice of feminist therapy is thus politicized in both its theoretical understanding of the causes of injury as well as in its enactment. A collaborative and respectful working relationship is therefore at the foundation of feminist therapy.[1]
- The personal is political
- Personal and social identities are interdependent
- Conventional distress and "mental illness" concepts are challenged
- The role of oppression is central
- The counseling relationship is egalitarian
- Women's perspectives are valued
[edit] Principal styles of feminist therapies
The principal styles noted here correspond to different types of feminism.[citation needed]
- Liberal
- Cultural
- Radical
- Socialist
- Postmodern
- Women of color
- Lesbian
- Global-international
[edit] Goals of therapy
Five principal goals of therapy exist.[2]
- Equality
- Balancing independence and interdependence
- Empowerment
- Self-nurturance
- Valuing diversity
[edit] Therapeutic strategies
The following strategies are typical of feminist therapy:[citation needed]
- Empowerment
- Self-disclosure
- Gender-role analysis
- Gender-role intervention
- Power analysis and power intervention
- Bibliotherapy
- Assertiveness training
- Reframing and relabeling
- Group work
- Social action
[edit] Contributors to feminist therapy
- Judith Worrell
- Pam Remer[3]
- Sandra Bem
- Laura Brown[4]
- Jean Baker Miller[5]
- Carolyn Enns[6]
- Ellyn Kaschak[citation needed]
- Bonnie Burstow[7]
[edit] References
- ^ Worell, J. & Remer, P. Feminist perspectives in therapy: Empowering diverse women. Second Ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003.
- ^ Carol Enns, Feminist theories and feminist psychotherapies: Origins, themes, and diversity, Second Ed., Haworth, 2004.
- ^ [1] official website.
- ^ Laura Brown official website.
- ^ Jean Baker Miller on Wellesley College.
- ^ Carolyn Enns on Cornell College.
- ^ Amazon.com: Radical Feminist Therapy: Working in the Context of Violence: Bonnie Burstow: Books
