By: Kari Harrison, LCPC
Feminism seems to be a pertinent piece of American life right now. Whether you personally identify as a feminist or not, there are many current feminist-oriented movements gaining ground at the moment, from #metoo to the women’s marches…and while I bet you have heard of feminism, have you heard of feminist therapy?
Here is what feminist therapy is and what you might expect in meeting with a therapist who practices feminist therapy…
What is feminist therapy?
The movement of feminism is often misunderstood, so it makes sense that feminist therapy could be too! At it’s core, feminism is about equality for all! Equality for all gender identities, sexual orientations, race/ethnicities, spiritual orientations, etc. In our current political landscape, feminism and feminist therapy feels particularly relevant.
Many people feel like they don’t belong. Feminist therapy seeks to hold a space where marginalized voices can be heard and honored, as we live in a society that often seeks to silence the voices of the most oppressed.
Feminist therapy focuses on an egalitarian relationship between the therapist and the client and looks to help individuals process the trauma of stigmatization based on any areas of non-privilege (think non cisgender, white, heterosexual, Christian, able bodied male folks).
Feminist therapy then seeks to assist marginalized individuals in discovering their own unique strengths and authenticity that can help empower them as they navigate a society that caters to those with the most privilege.
More: Learn about women’s therapy in Chicago
Any marginalized person or group can benefit from feminist therapy, and in our current political landscape, refugees, immigrants, people of color, trans folks, gay folks, women, and/or any combination of these identities may especially benefit from this type of support.
What might be different in Feminist therapy than in other types of therapy?
Because the relationship in feminist therapy is more egalitarian in nature, a feminist therapist may share more personal stories regarding their own experience with marginalization and stigma due to areas of non-privilege they might carry. Therapy might also focus on dialogue around the benefits of social activism and advocacy in improving mental health outcomes for marginalized individuals.
Is feminist therapy right for you?
The current political landscape we wake up to every day feels toxic, draining, triggering, and even traumatizing for many. Being awake to the state of the world around us is important for a lot of us during these trying times, but can also weigh on our mental health! If you’re experiencing a decrease in mental health functioning during these tumultuous times, perhaps you may consider seeking a therapist who incorporates feminist therapy into their work with clients.
