Feminist Therapy Flashcards
A central concept in feminist therapy is the importance of understanding and
acknowledging the ____________ of women and the constraints imposed by the sociopolitical status to which women have been relegated.
psychological oppression
the four enduring feminist
philosophies, which are often described as the “second wave” of feminism
liberal,
cultural,
radical,
and socialist feminism.
focus on helping individual women overcome the limits and
constraints of traditional gender-role socialization patterns.
Liberal feminists
believe oppression stems from society’s devaluation of wom-
en’s strengths, values, and roles. They emphasize the differences between women
and men and believe the solution to oppression lies in feminization of the cul-
ture so that society becomes more nurturing, intuitive, subjective, cooperative, and
relational.
Cultural feminists
focus on the oppression of women that is embedded in pa-
triarchy and seek to change society through activism and equalizing power
radical feminists
pay close at-
tention to the ways that work, education, and family roles affect their lives. For them, the major goal of therapy is to transform social relationships
and institutions.
socialist feminists
Enns (2004)
states that this “third wave” of feminism embraces diversity with its inclusion
of …
post modern
women of color,
lesbians, and
global international
provide a model for critiquing other traditional and fem-
inist approaches, addressing the issue of what constitutes reality and proposing
multiple truths as opposed to a single truth
Postmodern feminists
They challenge feminist theory to include an analysis of the intersections
of multiple oppressions, an assessment of access to privilege and power, to rec-
ognize the importance of the spiritual dimension of human experience, and to
emphasize activism.
Women of color feminists
This perspective calls for feminist theory
to include an analysis of the intersections of a person’s multiple identities and
their relationship to oppression and to recognize the diversity that exists among
lesbians.
Lesbian feminists
take a worldwide perspective and seek to under-
stand the ways in which racism, sexism, economics, and classism affect women
in different countries.
Global international feminists
(using male-oriented constructs to draw conclusions about
human, including female, nature)
androcentric
(proposing two separate paths
of development for women and men),
gendercentric
(viewing a heterosexual orien-
tation as normative and desirable and devaluing lesbian, gay male, and bisexual
orientations)
heterosexist
(assuming that personality patterns and behavior are
fi xed at an early stage of development)
deterministic
(attributing behavior to internal causes, which often results in blaming the victim and
ignoring sociocultural and political factors)
intrapsychic orientation
(constructs of feminist theory)
approaches explain differences in the behavior of women and men in terms of
socialization processes rather than on the basis of our “innate” natures, thus avoid-
ing stereotypes in social roles and interpersonal behavior.
Gender-fair
(constructs of feminist theory)
uses concepts and strategies that apply equally to individuals and
groups regardless of age, race, culture, gender, ability, class, or sexual orientation.
interactionist
Principles of Feminist Therapy
This principle is based on the assumption that the per-
sonal or individual problems that individuals bring to counseling originate in a
political and social context.
The personal is political.
Principles of Feminist Therapy
Feminist therapy aims not only for individual
change but for social change. Feminists view their therapy practice as existing not
only to help individual clients in their struggles but also to advance a transforma-
tion in society.
Commitment to social change
Principles of Feminist Therapy
Women’s perspectives are considered central in understanding their
distress. Traditional therapies that operate on androcentric norms compare women
to the male norm and fi nd them deviant.
Women’s and girl’s voices and ways of knowing are valued and their experiences
are honored
Principles of Feminist Therapy
Feminist therapists recognize that there is a power imbalance in the
therapeutic relationship, so they strive for an egalitarian relationship, keeping in mind that clients are the experts on their own lives.
The counseling relationship is egalitarian
Principles of Feminist Therapy
Psychological dis-
tress is reframed, not as disease but as a communication about unjust systems.
Feminist therapists talk about problems in the context of living and cop-
ing skills rather than pathology
A focus on strengths and a reformulated defi nition of psychological distress.
Principles of Feminist Therapy
Clients can best be understood in the context
of their sociocultural environments. Feminist therapists acknowledge that social
and political inequities have a negative effect on all people.
All types of oppression are recognized.
Techniques and Strategies
At the heart of feminist strategies is the goal of empowering the client. Feminist therapists work in an egalitarian manner and use empower-
ment strategies that are tailored to each client.
empowerment
Techniques and Strategies
Feminist therapists use therapeutic self-disclosure in the
best interests of the client to equalize the client–therapist relationship, to provide
modeling, to normalize women’s collective experiences, to empower clients, and
to establish informed consent.
self-disclosure
Techniques and Strategies
A hallmark of feminist therapy, this explores the impact of gender-role expectations on the client’s psychological
well-being and draws upon this information to make decisions about future gender-
role behaviors
gender-role analysis
Techniques and Strategies
Using this technique, the therapist responds
to Alma’s concern by placing it in the context of society’s role expectations for wom-
en. The aim is to provide Alma with insight into the ways social issues are affecting
her
gender-role intervention
Techniques and Strategies
refers to the range of methods aimed at
helping clients understand how unequal access to power and resources can infl u-
ence personal realities
power analysis
Techniques and Strategies
Nonfi ction books, psychology and counseling textbooks, au-
tobiographies, self-help books, educational videos, fi lms, and even novels can all be
used as a resources.
bibliotherapy
Techniques and Strategies
By teaching and promoting assertive behavior,
women become aware of their interpersonal rights, transcend stereotypical gender
roles, change negative beliefs, and implement changes in their daily lives.
assertiveness training
Techniques and Strategies
- includes a shift
from “blaming the victim” to a consideration of social factors in the environ-
ment that contribute to a client’s problem. - rather than dwelling
exclusively on intrapsychic factors, the focus is on examining societal or political
dimensions.
reframing and relabeling
Techniques and Strategies
As clients become more grounded in their understanding
of feminism, therapists may suggest that clients become involved in activities such
as volunteering at a rape crisis center, lobbying lawmakers, or providing commu-
nity education about gender issues.
social action
Techniques and Strategies
became popular as a way for women to discuss their
lack of voice in many aspects of society.
group work
