Feminist Therapy

Feminist psychotherapy typically does not prescribe a specific set of therapeutic techniques. In practice, a feminist therapist may draw from a wide range of methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT),² psychodynamic therapy,³ or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).⁴ However, the way these techniques are implemented is generally informed by common principles of feminist therapy.

One typical feature of this approach is egalitarianism, in which the therapist-client relationship is regarded as a collaboration between equals. Another common feature is attention to social and cultural dynamics—the treatment provider may encourage the client to consider how their habits of thought, emotion, and behavior may have been influenced by factors like:

• Pressure to conform to gender roles
• Unequal treatment at work, in the home, or within social circles
• Limitations on self-expression
• Unjust obstacles to career advancement or personal fulfillment
• Dismissed perspectives or priorities
• Disregarded needs or feelings
• Erosion of self-esteem due to stereotyping 
• Sexual or romantic coercion

Clients are often encouraged to consider how the various power dynamics at work in their lives and relationships may have contributed to the personal challenges that led them to seek therapy. A feminist therapist may invite clients to think of their symptoms as reactions to difficult circumstances rather than as evidence of an internal disorder. Recovery may be framed in terms of developing personal strength, autonomy, and self-regard rather than reducing symptoms.

Because the components of treatment in feminist therapy can vary widely between practitioners and clients, assessing its effectiveness can be difficult. Empirical studies examining how well this treatment works may not be as easy to find as studies on other approaches. However, there is evidence that the experience of discrimination can have negative impacts on mental health. These findings lend some support to the idea that therapy can improve from taking sociopolitical forces into account.

As discussed previously, feminist therapy doesn’t typically have a universal, standardized protocol. The length, number, and structure of sessions may vary a great deal between providers. In practice, the specific parameters of treatment may be confirmed by mutual agreement between the therapist and the client. That said, there are certain features commonly encountered in feminist therapy, such as:

• Analysis of power dynamics: Clients are often encouraged to examine the balance of power within their personal and professional relationships and how this may factor into their psychological difficulties.
• Assessment of strengths: The therapist may try to help clients identify internal resources they can employ to work through their difficulties. 
• Reframing: Clients may be challenged to consider whether their personal difficulties could be manifestations of sociopolitical factors rather than isolated experiences.
• Gender role critique: Therapy may involve discussions of possible ways that gendered expectations have impacted a client’s well-being.
• Bibliotherapy: A feminist therapist may suggest reading materials that they think might offer helpful perspectives on a client’s situation.
• Psychoeducation: Therapists may also share findings from psychological and sociological research that they believe clients will find useful.
• Self-reveal: To build a rapport with the client, emphasize the egalitarian nature of the relationship, and offer personal insight, feminist therapists may share details of their own lives and experiences.
• Assertiveness training: Clients in feminist therapy may practice techniques aimed at building confidence and learning to better advocate for themselves.

In general, clients might expect feminist therapy to be more self-directed than many other forms of mental health treatment. There may also be a greater emphasis on personal and political empowerment.

Although feminist therapy was originally developed with the needs of women in mind, many practitioners and researchers believe it can also benefit men, as well as nonbinary or gender-fluid individuals. Feminist therapists tend to take an intersectional perspective that honors the experiences of those who have experienced oppression in any form. As such, this type of therapy may also be helpful for:

• LGBTQ+ individuals 
• Individuals exploring their sexual orientation
• Transgender people
• Members of marginalized ethnic groups
• Individuals involved in social action
• Those who feel constrained by traditional gender roles
• People who have been negatively affected by patriarchal or authoritarian worldviews
• Survivors of abuse or sexual assault

People who have had negative experiences with domineering, dismissive, or prejudiced therapists may also appreciate the typically non-hierarchical nature of feminist therapy. This egalitarian structure might help them build a better rapport with the treatment provider.

For those experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.

For those experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Some scholars of feminist therapy are working to expand the limited evidence base for the efficacy of this practice. One example of this effort is a 2022 paper in the Journal of Eating Disorders. This study showed significant and sustained improvements in eating disorder symptomatology from a feminist-informed and trauma-sensitive counseling program.

Other researchers are working to build a more complete picture of how feminist therapy is practiced around the world. A large-scale Australian study noted that while feminist theory is still largely delivered by and for women, the practice is beginning to expand to serve a wider range of clients using an intersectional framework. The authors noted that client-centered practice remains a core feature of the feminist approach for many treatment providers, along with education, advocacy, and a focus on issues of power.

The term feminist therapy describes a broad approach to mental health care rather than a specific, standardized treatment method. Therefore, there’s no specific accreditation required for providers, and there’s no official licensing organization governing the practice. However, many mental health professionals advertise their feminist-informed treatment philosophy. A simple online search may be the fastest way to find local therapists who take an intersectional approach.

Another option is to ask a primary care doctor for a referral. They may be aware of therapists in the area who offer feminist-informed treatment. Prospective clients may also want to consult local women’s centers or gender equality nonprofit groups. Employees or volunteers there may be able to offer advice on local resources.

Online therapy organizations such as BetterHelp can also quickly connect prospective clients with therapists offering a diverse array of treatment approaches. Research suggests online therapy can be beneficial for many mental health and relationship challenges. Many clients also find online therapy to be more convenient and approachable than traditional in-office therapy.

Since feminist therapeutic approaches can vary so widely in practice, it’s often advisable for clients to have a conversation with any prospective therapist before starting treatment. The following are some potentially useful questions to ask:

• How does feminism inform your treatment approach?
• Do you have experience working with clients with my background?
• Do you have experience treating this type of concern?
• What are your primary treatment goals/priorities?
• What should I expect in a typical session?

If at first you don’t find a therapist that you think is a good fit, know that it’s okay to change therapists. Many people change therapists and eventually find someone with whom they experience significant growth. You might find a larger pool of professionals who practice feminist therapy with online platforms, which tend to have thousands of therapists with various specializations.