Feminist Therapy

Feminist therapy is a therapeutic approach grounded in feminist theory and philosophy. Central to this approach is the idea that women may experience mental health issues as a result of psychological oppression. In feminist therapy, the therapist and client are equals – the therapist's knowledge of psychology and the client's knowledge of herself come together to embrace the client's strengths. Feminist therapists seek to recognize and understand the client's socioeconomic and political situation, and are typically personally invested in ending oppression, empowering women and girls, and working toward social change. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s feminist therapy specialists today.

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Feminist therapy is a person-centered treatment approach that highlights the role of sociopolitical and cultural factors in mental health.

— Andrew Bingman, Clinical Psychologist in Chicago, IL

Working from a liberation, mutual aid, and restorative justice frame.

— Benjamin Lyons, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Chicagio, IL
 

Feminism is going through growth spurts. As the therapist and nutritionist to women and femmes, I am constantly reading and educating myself on how to best, and most respectfully honor the multitude of identities that each person inevitably carries as well as attend trainings than emphasize social justice and activism. Anne Balay is credited as saying, “If your feminism isn’t intersectional, then it isn’t feminism.” Our work together will help you liberate not only your body, also your mind.

— Emma Doerner, Counselor in Seattle, WA

In Relational-Cultural Therapy, we believe that our stories and images about who we are and what we can expect in relationship have transformative power. Intersectional feminisms and abolitionist liberatory praxis look at the ways in which the dominant worldview reinforces the stories of distrust and harm that we've experienced, and offers a vision of radical transformation, joy, and possibility. Training: Jean Baker Miller Training Institute; PISAB; Boston Liberation Health

— Christina Borel, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Torrington, CT
 

Feminism is the understanding that an individual's gendered experience intersect with race/ethnicity, class, power and privileges. I also believe that, unlike western forms of therapy, wellness does not end with symptom-reduction. Wellness includes an individual's ability to engage intentionally with others, become empowered to action, and feel motivated to move from a deeper place of value.

— Dr. Jean-Arellia Tolentino, Clinical Psychologist in oakland, CA

Feminist therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that focuses on gender and the particular challenges and stressors that women face as a result of bias, stereotyping, oppression, discrimination, and other factors that threaten their mental health. The focus of treatment is on empowerment, identity, and understanding of social factors that contribute to distress.

— Hannah Smith, Counselor in , NC
 

What forms of gender expression feel safest, most comfortable, or fun for you? Which forms feel unsafe or unavailable to you? Gender-based expectations and norms impact people of all genders, and may be holding you back from being yourself and feeling empowered. We will explore the ways that your gender impacts your life, including your values and any limiting beliefs that you may be internalizing from your upbringing, environment, or culture about yourself or others.

— Maryann Bavisotto, Social Worker in Buffalo, NY

I am well-trained in feminist psychotherapeutic practice with members of the queer community, racial/ethnic minority populations, and with women/womxn.

— Sam Naimi, Psychoanalyst in Encino, CA
 

Identifying as female in our culture comes with so many landmines. Navigating relationships, work/life balance, parenting, misogyny, and so on. If you've clicked on this specialty, you know. I like to work from an feminist perspective to see how gender underlies other stressors. Feminism is intersectional, and if you identify as female (or on the feminine side of the spectrum) this space is for you.

— Jennie Hagen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Vancouver, WA

I want to find what works best for my clients and empower them to meet their goals. I am never afraid of a challenge and I truly believe anyone who really wants the support of counseling can find success in it.

— Maggie Englund, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Orlando, FL
 

I highly prioritize the equal value of all people, which means no one is more important or more valuable than anyone else. However, when experience has influenced your sense of self, you may struggle to life out that sense of worth. Therapy with me intentionally makes space to evaluate how you see yourself vs how you want to, so we can navigate a path forward together.

— Larissa Smith, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I passionately bring awareness to social structures and dominant narratives within our work. This includes acknowledging the client-therapist power imbalance and actively working to place you, the client, as the expert of your lived experience. This can manifest as rich description around cultural dimensions, active discussion of internal biases, or my own self-disclosure as appropriate. I take a feminist, anti-oppressive, anti-racist lens to all sessions.

— Peter Beer, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL
 

Check out my website for more info at UniquelyYouTherapyCollective.com

— Dottie Gill, Clinical Psychologist in Seattle, WA

Our society was founded by and built for Straight, White, Christian, Men. Our society is slowly evolving to be more inclusive of women, POC, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized populations. Empowering women involves deconstructing the toxic patriarchal culture that oppresses those that threaten the beneficiaries. Sessions are structured to identify personal strengths and build assertiveness by confronting social norms and gender roles.

— Courtney Garner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
 

I specialize in integrating feminist theory into therapy, providing a framework that addresses power imbalances, social inequalities, and the impact of gender roles on mental health. Through a feminist lens, I empower clients to explore and challenge societal norms, fostering self-awareness and personal agency. This approach aims to promote equality, inclusivity, and a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of clients' experiences.

— Christina Arceri, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY

I am a feminist and I use my education in Women's Studies to allow me the perspective to understand the complexity of how gender norms affect our daily lives. As a therapist I cannot separate my desire for gender equality from my work with my clients. Whether you identify as LGBTIQ or simply are seeking non-judgmental support for a non-traditional relationship, please know that my practice is open and accepting to all. We are all different and I learn from each of my clients to offer the best.

— Sara Fischer Sanford, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in SAN FRANCISCO, CA
 

My approach to feminist therapy involves integrating my own identity with the realities of living in society as a woman. I am passionate about working through the discrimination that women face, as well as exploring the intersectional identities that oftentimes compound the discrimination. I value social justice as a therapist, and actively incorporate it in all of my sessions.

— Samire Qosaj, Therapist in Northbrook, IL

Empowering women--and men--to understand their experiences to the extent that cultural influences have played a role is a focus of my practice. I explore with my clients the ways in which their lives might be changed by living more true to themselves and finding the strength to do so.

— Christa Cummins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR