Feminism and Feminist Therapy
Feminism and Feminist Therapy:
Lessons From the Past and
Hopes for the Future
Kathy M. Evans, Elizabeth A. Kincade, Aretha F. Marbley, and Susan R. Seem
Feminist therapy incorporates the psychology of women (e.g., J. B. Miller, 1976), developmental research (e.g., C.
Gilligan, 1982), cognitive-behavioral techniques (J. Worell & P. Remer, 1992), multicultural awareness (L. Comas-
Diaz & B. Greene, 1994), and social activism (L. S. Brown, 1994) in a coherent theoretical and therapeutic package.
It is an orientation that is effective in various venues and with diverse populations. In this article, the authors trace the relevant historical aspects of the orientation along with implications for practice, critiques, and trends
Feminist therapy and counseling emerged nearly 40 years ago to better meet the needs of women experiencing psychological distress (Enns, 1997). Since its inception, feminist therapy has evolved in terms of theory, therapeutic techniques, and scope of application. Although initially feminist therapy and counseling focused exclusively on women and excluded men, both as therapists and clients, contemporary feminist therapy now includes male clients and therapists and seeks nongendered and culturally fair ways to approach and interpret traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques (Sharf, 2003).
Feminist philosophers, therapists, and clients have had a profound effect on the fields of counseling and psychology, especially regarding gender bias and gender role stereotyping
(Worell & Johnson, 1997). As a result of raising the consciousness of the profession, there have been significant changes in conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment. The basic premise of feminist therapy—that the political is the personal (Enns,
1992)—remains. In feminist therapy, there is no lasting individual change without social change. Clients are enmeshed in their sociopolitical and cultural contexts, and true and lasting
Lessons From the Past and
Hopes for the Future
Kathy M. Evans, Elizabeth A. Kincade, Aretha F. Marbley, and Susan R. Seem
Feminist therapy incorporates the psychology of women (e.g., J. B. Miller, 1976), developmental research (e.g., C.
Gilligan, 1982), cognitive-behavioral techniques (J. Worell & P. Remer, 1992), multicultural awareness (L. Comas-
Diaz & B. Greene, 1994), and social activism (L. S. Brown, 1994) in a coherent theoretical and therapeutic package.
It is an orientation that is effective in various venues and with diverse populations. In this article, the authors trace the relevant historical aspects of the orientation along with implications for practice, critiques, and trends
Feminist therapy and counseling emerged nearly 40 years ago to better meet the needs of women experiencing psychological distress (Enns, 1997). Since its inception, feminist therapy has evolved in terms of theory, therapeutic techniques, and scope of application. Although initially feminist therapy and counseling focused exclusively on women and excluded men, both as therapists and clients, contemporary feminist therapy now includes male clients and therapists and seeks nongendered and culturally fair ways to approach and interpret traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques (Sharf, 2003).
Feminist philosophers, therapists, and clients have had a profound effect on the fields of counseling and psychology, especially regarding gender bias and gender role stereotyping
(Worell & Johnson, 1997). As a result of raising the consciousness of the profession, there have been significant changes in conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment. The basic premise of feminist therapy—that the political is the personal (Enns,
1992)—remains. In feminist therapy, there is no lasting individual change without social change. Clients are enmeshed in their sociopolitical and cultural contexts, and true and lasting
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