Fiminist Therapy

Feminist Therapy:

Feminist Therapy is a central concept that the concern for the psychological oppression of woman. Focusing on the constraints imposed by the sociopolitical status to which woman have been relegated, this approach explores woman’s identity development, self-concept, goals and aspirations, and emotional well-being (Corey, 2009).

Key Figures:  

Jean Baker Miller

Carolyn Zerbe Enns

Oliva M. Espin 

Luara Brown.  

Key Concepts:  

1. Viewing women's experiences from a woman’s perspective rather than those of white males
2. Viewing problems in a sociopolitical and cultural context rather than on a individual type of level
3. Addressing oppressive aspects of the world and the environment
4. Encouraging clients to get involved in social action

Goals: 

• Both females and males to recognize and embrace their individual power

• Influence society as a whole so that the female voice is valued 

• Gender Equality 

Techniques:

• Gender role analysis and intervention,
• Power analysis and intervention,
• Demystifying therapy,
• Journal writing, therapist self-disclosure,
• Assertiveness training,
• Re-framing and relabeling,
• Cognitive reconstructing,
• Identifying and challenging untested beliefs,
• Role-playing,
• Psycho dramatic benefits,
• Group work
• Social action

References:

Corey, G. (2009).  Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (eighth edition). Belmont, Ca: Thomas Higher Education.