In "Feminist Therapists: What Do They Do?" Mary
H. Guindon, Ph.D. explains feminist therapy. First, a feminist therapist
IS a therapist. Her basic training can come from many different related
disciplines. She (and it is almost always a she)
may be a psychologist, social worker, mental health
counselor, marriage and family therapist, or
psychiatric nurse practitioner, but she is a licensed and/or
certified professional in her field. Second,
although she may or may not use the term feminist, she is well trained
in the psychology ofwomen as a distinct field. Because traditional psychology
was predominantly developed by men and usually based on research about
men, its techniques may not always be effective for many women's issues.
Next, although she may have both men and women as clients, she knows that
counseling women is different from counseling men. She is aware of the
roles gender and sexism play in our society. She specializes in concerns
many women bring to counseling such as depression, anxiety, stress,
reproductive concerns, career matters, physical and sexual abuse, body
image and eating disorders, and self-esteem.
Last, because she knows "the personal is
political" she understands that oppression comes in many
forms. She seeks to help women realize they have
a right to equality and dignity in all facets of their
lives. She may be involved in some aspect of
reforming the systems in which we all live.
The feminist therapist sees herself as your equal
not as your superior. She sees her job as one of working with you in a
mutual relationship of caring and support. Her goals are to help you toward
psychological growth and well being through increased knowledge of yourself
and your world. She believes you are the only "expert" in your own issues
and will help you develop tools you need to reach your potential as a unique
and valuable person.
She operates from these principles:
1. External forces in the "real world" rather
than your internal "shortcomings" may be the source of many disorders and
psychological distress.
2. The feminine attributes of connection
and caring are seen as strengths to draw on rather than inherent weaknesses.
3. Reproductive and biological issues are a reality
that play a role in women's lives throughout all
life stages.
4. Violence -- physical, sexual, emotional, psychological
-- is an all too common consequence of
being a woman in our culture and often
goes unrecognized.
5. Women need information and education about
these and other issues and the therapist's role is
to provide it.
A feminist therapist may use any of these techniques:
1. Raising consciousness.
She strives to help women realize the effects
of living unfulfilling lives based on prescribed gender
roles that limit potential and result in anger,
resentment, and frustration. This can manifest in
self-destructive behaviors and harmful relationships.
2. Making appropriate choices.
She may help you realize you have choices regardless
of your present circumstances. She will
give you support to make the choices you need
to make based on what you authentically want.
3. Enhancing self-esteem.
The therapist will assist you in learning how
to value yourself and recognize your true strengths
and talents.
4. Doing group work.
She may facilitate your growth in the company
of other women. Many women feel isolated in
many aspects of their lives and having support
from other women can be healing.
5. Giving information.
She may use community resources when you need
them. She may refer you to a career
counselor or recommend an abuse shelter. She
will recommend books to educate and train you.
6. Using expressive approaches.
She might you use one or more of the expressive
arts such as music, art, dance, or guided imagery to help you heal and
grow. |
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How often you will meet together
