What is a Feminist Approach to Therapy?

Photo by Moises Gonzales

Samantha Williams, LMSW (she/her), is a highly dedicated therapist with a profound belief in the importance of being seen and heard. Armed with a Master's degree in Social Welfare from SUNY Albany and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology & Criminology from Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her professional journey has encompassed roles in Child Protective Services, Mental Health Stabilization Centers with Youth, Substance Use Recovery Centers, and Community Mental Health, all while maintaining a thriving private practice. Samantha specializes in empowering individuals to navigate through women's issues, addiction, life transitions, relationship complexities, and matters of sexuality. Her therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in understanding and validating her clients' unique life experiences while guiding them toward self-discovery using their values and goals as a compass.

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Here’s a bit of history…the feminist approach to psychotherapy is a branch of psychology that shook things up during the late 20th century, particularly during the second wave of feminism. This approach is all about challenging the traditional ways of therapy and recognizing how societal power structures and gender inequality affect our mental health. It was like a breath of fresh air in the world of psychology because it is a move away from white-male-centered dominant thinking within the field. 

This approach is not the brainchild of just one person; it's a collaborative effort by a group of brilliant minds. Here are some of the pioneers who made it happen:

• Jean Baker Miller: Picture a psychiatrist and feminist scholar who introduced the concept of "relational-cultural theory" to psychotherapy. She was all about the power of connections and relationships to boost mental well-being.

• Carol Gilligan: This psychologist rocked the boat by challenging the male-centric view of morality in psychology. Her ideas made empathy, connection, and moral reasoning central to therapeutic relationships.

• Nancy Chodorow: As a psychoanalyst, Chodorow dived deep into the role of mothering in child development. She shed light on the gendered nature of psychological development and how maternal care influences emotional growth.

Photo by Roya Ann Miller

The Core:

The heart of feminist psychotherapy lies in a set of core principles that guide the way it works:

• Intersectionality: This approach understands that your mental health is shaped by various aspects of your identity, like race, class, and sexuality, intersecting with your gender.

• Empowerment: Feeling empowered is key here. Therapists encourage you to challenge societal norms, find your voice, and take control of your life.

• Validation: Your experiences and emotions matter, even if they don't fit the mold of societal norms. In feminist therapy, your feelings are heard and embraced.

• Social Change: You're not just working on yourself; you're encouraged to become a force for change in your community, advocating for social justice.

• Reconstruction of Identity: Think of this as a journey of self-discovery. You'll deconstruct and reconstruct your identity outside of rigid gender norms, resulting in a more authentic and self-accepting you.

I appreciate these core concepts because they are rooted in understanding how we are impacted by our culture and the world around us.

Now I want to talk about bell hooks and Audrey Lorde, both who, while not Psychologists, did expand feminism by pushing the boundaries of second and third-wave feminist thought. bell hooks writings, including works like "Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center" and "The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love," have been instrumental in the feminist movement. She championed an inclusive feminism that considered the experiences of women of color, working-class women, and marginalized groups. Her work challenged the predominantly white, middle-class feminism of her time and stressed the importance of intersectionality in understanding gender and power dynamics. Audrey Lorde was a prominent African American poet, writer, and activist who made significant contributions to the feminist movement by challenging heteronormativity. As an open lesbian and spoke candidly about the importance of recognizing and addressing issues related to sexuality within the feminist movement. Her advocacy for the rights and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals helped expand the movement's inclusivity. She also advocated for the power of using one’s voice and the importance of one’s personal story.

Now if you identify as NB or male, you might be thinking, "Is this just for women?" Absolutely not! While it was initially developed to address femme experiences, feminist psychotherapy offers something for everyone:

• Enhanced Self-Understanding: You'll explore how societal norms have shaped your self-concept, leading to greater self-awareness and self-acceptance.

• Improved Relationships: By challenging traditional power dynamics and gender roles, you'll build healthier, more equitable relationships grounded in communication and respect.

• Enhanced Mental Health: Addressing the emotional impact of gender inequality and societal pressures can reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. You'll pick up coping strategies and resilience skills. Advocacy Skills for yourself, your family, and your community: Learning to recognize and challenge oppressive systems empowers you to be a change-maker in society, contributing to a more just world.

• Personal Growth: Embracing a feminist approach lets you define your identity on your terms, promoting authenticity and personal growth.

Feminist psychotherapy is one of the many approaches I use to work with clients, it’s a supportive, nurturing way to engage in one’s understanding of self.

By: Samantha Williams, LMSW (she/her)