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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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

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.

— Dora Angevine, Mental Health Counselor in St. Louis, MO
 

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'm a therapist committed to creating a nurturing, empowering space based on feminist values. I challenge power imbalances, champion equality, and empower individuals of all genders. In our journey, your voice is valued, your experiences are affirmed, and your unique perspective is celebrated. Together, we navigate identity, social justice, and personal growth, working towards your goals and a more equitable world.

— Yiran Sun, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in new york, NY
 

I identify strongly as a feminist therapist, and I believe that gender roles influence socialization; ultimately, our lives. I have an undergraduate degree in Women Studies and believe that gender identity development may impact a variety of issues that female-identified clients experience, like interpersonal relationships, career, aging, sexuality.

— Shelley Samuels, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Oakland, CA

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.

— Shayne Snyder, Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY
 

Feminist therapy isn't just for women! It is a modality that focuses on client issues through the lens of the client's experience and context, both personal and social/political/cultural. Diverse perspectives are encouraged/supported and the therapy relationship is more egalitarian to minimize the power differential. In other words, I work alongside my clients to help them work through their difficulties in a strengths-based way.

— Erin Shapiro, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dallas, TX

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.

— Christina Helm, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Evanston, 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

My approach is built on a foundation of feminist, anti-oppression values. I believe therapy is ineffective if the greater social context a person lives in is not examined critically; most of the time, doing so is empowering for all genders.

— Laurel Roberts-Meese, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in SAN FRANCISCO, CA
 

Check out my website for more info at UniquelyYouTherapyCollective.com

— Dottie Gill, Clinical Psychologist in Seattle, WA

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

Modern feminist therapy is not just for women. It seeks to address the concerns of all who have been impacted by systems of oppression (Black, Indigenous, & People of Color, LGBQTIA+, those who are Neurodivergent, Disabled individuals, etc). In order to understand & help those who have been marginalized we must understand those systems & work to dismantle them. I recognize that as a white person who presents as a cisgender heteronormative female, I have unearned privilege.

— Jennifer Dolphin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Anchorage, AK
 

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

Feminist therapy examines how systems of oppression affect our lives. Ableism is often what my clients encounter the most, along with transphobia and homophobia. I talk with my clients about how their schools can be more accommodating to them and how they can have the best chance at success while advocating for themselves.

— Aaron Percoco, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in Jacksonville, FL
 

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.

— Dina Bdaiwi, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Irvine, CA

My therapy is always sensitive to issues of power, privilege, and oppression along many dimensions, not just gender. I approach feminism from an intersectional perspective, and am mindful of my own privileged identities as well. I take a collaborative, curious approach with all clients and recognize clients' expertise on their own lives.

— Sheila Addison, Counselor in Oakland, CA