Using Feminism to Treat Clients in Therapy

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Many psychologists hold biases told the LGBTQ community, but this is where feminist therapy differs. These counselors put their biases aside for the better of the world. Borrowing and modifying traditional approaches, a larger group of those in need are able to have their needs met thanks to feminist therapy. Empowerment is a big aspect of how this is done with the LGBTQ and minority communities. Using informed consent, working towards similar goals, and monitoring expectations are at the heart of empowerment (Corey, 2012 p.354). Empowerment being a key component of feminist therapy because it focuses on the radical side of feministic views and those whom do not necessarily fit into a societal mold, it is used in this type of therapy to bring light to social issues in the dark.

Often people assume only women go to see a feminist therapist, or that only women work in this type of therapy, but that quite simply is not the case. This is a specialty for everyone no matter your class, race, gender, sex, or anything along those lines. That is what makes this so unique and appealing to all. That is part of what makes feminist therapy so successful, that anyone can access it, “Feminist therapy is not just suitable for women; men can benefit from this therapeutic process as well. Men also deal with social and gender role constraints such as the demands of strength, autonomy, and competition. In addition, they are limited by the notion that they should not express vulnerability, sensitivity, and empathy. Both men and women are exploited by a patriarchal society and limited culture and gender stereotypes. Men can benefit from therapy by working on these issues and by learning new skills to help them understand and explore issues involved with emotions, intimacy, and self-disclosure.” (Mahaney p.1). Wanting to change themselves, and the people they interact with, the clients of feminist therapy play a vital part in social movements. The social movements that occurred in the last century may have brought about a form of revival, but miniature social movements occur on the daily basis thanks to feminist therapist. Feminist therapy helps both men and women break from their traditional gender roles. “Men also deal with social and gender role constraints such as the demands of strength, autonomy, and competition. In addition, they are limited by the notion that they should not express vulnerability, sensitivity, and empathy. Both men and women are exploited by a patriarchal society and limited culture and gender stereotypes.” (Mahaney p.1).

Being able to take what they have learned about themselves and help others, especially others of their gender not fall into the patriarchal view of the world, is the whole goal of feminist therapy. Therapists want to empower and heal those who come to them. In feminist therapy, those are normally the disadvantaged, or other minorities, but sometimes even men who have privilege seek this kind of therapy. “Because men may be more comfortable expressing emotions to a woman; in addition, states that the therapist may represent a "nonstereotyped woman" who encourages men to reconsider their stereotyping beliefs also support the value of a female therapist-male client pairing, providing findings that indicate female therapists were better able than male therapists to establish a therapeutic bond with male clients.” (Keeling, 2009).

Moreover, feminist therapy is by-and-large the one that helps those in a disadvantaged place, such as people of color. Have advocacy for everyone to have an equal voice, without sexualization, or mockery, this theory is a powerful tool to help those women. Often times women of color are represented in the media, it is a fetishized version of them. Leading to self-esteem issues, but frequently facing racism by many therapist, this is a good median for these women. The social-action of the therapists to know what is going on in the communities of those they are working, shows dedication to the client. While encouraging their clients to do the same, it helps show how getting involved in politics can make one feel better.

One difference between feminist therapy and other therapies is that other therapist likely holds their biases while counseling. The overall goal of equality and empowerment in feminist therapy relives any biases that would have been there. “The therapeutic relationship is unfortunately not immune to this problem, despite the best intentions of therapists who think they would never act in a racist manner. One example of this can be seen in the experience of race-based trauma, as many White therapists are dismissive of the impact of racism on their minority clients. Having never been subjected to the minority experience, it may not have occurred to them that racism could be traumatic. (Williams 2013). Some feminists are known for their intersectional view; the view that gender, race and class are interconnected, making feminism multifaceted. By lowering the racism clients feel in this type of therapy, they are able to reach more of those in need.

Feminist therapy makes it known that not just able-bodied, white, upper-class, male, heterosexual life matters, but that the physically disabled, people of color, poorer, women, and LGBTQ lives matter too. While the Adults with Disabilities Act (ADA) has done a lot of good for those who have a disability, they still face discrimination. Women who are on Social Security tend to earn less than their male counterpart, giving them unfair quality of life (Banks and Kaschak).

This is where reframing, and relabeling come into play in feminist therapy. Reframing is switching from blaming themselves, to considering social factors on the outside. Relabeling is an intervention that changes a label to some behavioral characteristics.

Disabilities comes in all shapes and sizes, visible and invisible, mental, and physical, temporary, and permanent. So do feminists. But the egalitarian view of feminism, that lead to feminist therapy is consistent. It is all about equality, and wanting equality for those who are disabled no matter which kind it is. “Integrating disability into feminist theory is generative, broadening our collective inquiries, questioning our assumptions, and contributing to feminism's intersectionality. Introducing a disability analysis does not narrow the inquiry, limit the focus to only women with disabilities, or preclude engaging other manifestations of feminisms. Indeed, the multiplicity of foci we now call feminisms is not a group of fragmented, com- petting subfields, but rather a vibrant, complex conversation” (Garlan-Thomson.) Focusing on disabilities is part of what makes this therapy so spectacular and unique.

There are some downfalls to feminist therapy. In the Eastern