Feminist Therapy

As a feminist therapist, I understand how gender roles and societal expectations can influence our individuality and relationships with others. It can be hard to discern what is your own values and what ideas are prescribed from the outside world. I recognize that these issues affect all of us, regardless of our gender: male, female, non-binary, because we are all subject to loosing our authenticity when we have to perform expectations from others.

Let's be honest, systems of oppression are to blame here. I love supporting my clients in healing from systemic racism, sexism, fat-phobia, ableism, and queerphobia. You may not have control over these systems, but you do have control over how you show up for yourself in this sometimes fucked up world.

I was there at the beginning of the feminist therapy movement in the 1970's in Berkeley, CA. I remember working with other women to discover what a feminist approach to crisis/rape counseling might involve. My doctoral dissertation was a feminist analysis of women who attempt suicide. This was at a time when there was almost no research on why women made more attempts than men. The personal is political!

My approach with feminist theory is primarily focused on understanding how the client's identities influence their experience in the world as well as within the therapeutic space.

This approach acknowledges the impact of gender, power, and societal structures on individuals' psychological well-being. This is about supporting the voice, and cultivating agency and empowerment to make desired change.

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.

This approach values you as an individual, recognizing the impact of social, cultural, and political forces on your well-being. It's about understanding how gender, race, class, and other identities shape your experiences. In our sessions, we work collaboratively to empower you, challenge oppressive systems, and build on your strengths. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where your voice is heard, and together, we navigate the challenges you face, fostering growth and resilience.

I often use feminist therapy principles in my work, including its focus on social justice, empowerment, and the intersectionality of identities. My training includes insights into how societal structures impact mental health and the importance of addressing power dynamics in therapy. I can help explain key concepts, discuss techniques, and explore how feminist therapy can be applied in various contexts

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.

This approach acknowledges the impact of gender, power, and societal structures on individuals' psychological well-being. This is about supporting the voice, and cultivating agency and empowerment to make desired change.

My practice and approach are deeply rooted in Feminist Therapy theory. I believe that transparency, shared power, awareness of oppression, and intersectionality are non-negotiables.

Check out my website for more info at UniquelyYouTherapyCollective.com

I view the treatment of gender-based violence, intimate partner violence and sexual assault through a feminist theory lens, meaning these experiences are the result of gender oppression and the cultural and societal attitudes and beliefs that support gender oppression. Therefore, my therapeutic orientation incorporates an empowerment approach as well as supporting clients in identifying how they have been impacted by gender oppression.

The Feminist perspective in counseling focuses on the importance of empowerment, and awareness of systems of oppression that impact people of all genders. What you can expect here is to be treated with respect and to have the whole person that you are, all your identities and lived experience validated and welcomed in counseling. You can expect that we can talk about the differences between our identities and lived experiences in a safe and productive way.

As a systems therapist, I believe that patriarchy, racism and capitalism have impacted the overall development and accessibility of healing services. I believe there is value in deconstructing the ways we have been impacted by those systems and how we can break down the barriers they create in our lives. I will help you lean into your own self-identity and free you from the pain that oppressive systems have caused you.

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.

I love feminist therapy because it is for all genders and all people: It analyzes power structures and their effects upon people. Each person's intersectional identity, along with their unique lived experience, is differently affected by the current politics and systemic structures. This model helps frame issues to show that they are likely externally caused, which can remove the feeling of self-blame. It also uses education, advocacy, and strength-building to encourage self empowerment.